Recommended components on Stereophile Magazine.

I'll probably echo things that have already been said here. Music, sound, the "accurate" reproduction thereof in ones home, or perhaps more to the point the "enjoyment" of the reproduction thereof in ones home, is entirely subjective. You might prefer a system that I would not choose myself. We are not machines that respond to graphs and plots and sine waves in a consistent and predictable manner from person to person. That said, like any input / opinions you read or hear on this subject, take them as a point of departure, with a grain of salt, as just one more bit of information to make your own choices, but most certainly do not take any as the last word on the subject. The only opinion that should count in the end is your own. A system is the sum of all the links in it, and stereo systems are highly dependent upon synergy between each of those many links. It is not only impossible for a reviewer to test all possible combinations with any given component, but what they do actually test and comment on, given what is available to them as a system, represents a very tiny, and I do mean tiny, fraction of what is possible for the component being reviewed. As has already been stated, there are a huge number of components and manufacturers that are, for whatever reasons, not reviewed in Stereophile, and that is most certainly not a reflection on their worthiness for your consideration. I could go on. I would no more let someone else choose the gear that I use in my system than I would let them select the music that I use it to listen to.

As further clarification of my previous posts, I'd like to add two comments.

1) I do not fully trust Stereophile's recommendations. In my 20+ years as a subscriber, I've found their recommendations to be hit or miss, just like anyone else's opinions.

2) I will say that after buying and selling on AudiogoN for about 9 years, Stereophile's recommendations DO carry a lot of weight on re-sale prices. I'm not saying this is a right or wrong, it's just a fact that I've noticed.
To me it says that many folks let Steophile make buying decisions for them.
The best part is when I hear something that I like, and Stereophile gives it a bad review. This usually means I'll get what I want at a great discount price.

Cheers,
John

The last few reviews I have read were of the same basic tone. They liked it. They really, really liked it.

That made me turn away and not renew my subscription. That, and the fact they are, or close to bankrupcy.

These Recomended Componet Lists only help one rationalize and feel good about their purchase of some pretty expensive equipment. The difference between bad good and great equipment is usually easily apparent, it's sorting out that last category where people trip. This hobby is unique in that we make our comparisons and judgement of equipment and systems through articles and reviews, often our ears have little to do with making choices. It's not like we can take our rigs out and compete or see how they measure up to one another. Most comparison is done on paper. Many AGoner's have friends with systems or belong to clubs, but many I assume are pursuing this hobby in isolation with only a few dealers and publications to consult. So much of the stuff pushed on us is hype and even the cult of personality is a marketing tool. Oh well! What I really miss is the Audio Magizine Annual Equipment Directory.