No More Fake Reviews - So Who’s Gonna Tell Us What To Buy?

Your ears should be the only influence on what you buy.

rooze

I think 'consumer reviews' means reviews for the consumer not specifically 'reviews by a consumer', so professional reviewers generate consumer reviews and are affected by the ruling ...

There's nothing to suggest your interpretation of the FTC announcement. The ruling addresses "Fake Reviews and Testimonials" and is explicit:

"Fake or False Consumer Reviews, Consumer Testimonials, and Celebrity Testimonials: The final rule addresses reviews and testimonials that misrepresent that they are by someone who does not exist."

You're reading w-a-y too much into this ruling.

Reviews make good bathroom reading.... If I can't see it and hear it in person I am generally not interested.  Lack of in home demo or decent return policy is usually a deal breaker for me.  

I actually prefer reading about how great something is that I just bought NOT based on a review but by hands on,  real world listening .

 Wont change a thing. 

I’ve been verklempt ever since hearing about this ruling but I do think the FTC has captured the gestalt of the issue and I support any drive for improved transparency for audiophiles.