Over emphasis on reviews....

Come to think of it, why do we have audio forums??

hahaha

I can honestly say that I've never purchased a component based on a review in a magazine. I find that most of the reviews here and on a few related sites are the best for my needs even though the opinions sometimes differ widely. Those who write reviews about the gear I want have usually been through a similar upgrade path as me. They have usually worked within the same set of constraints. I'm not an early adopter. Most of the magazine reviews are about the latest piece of gear with the early adopter price tag. For components that have had some time in the field, I prefer the opinion of someone who has lived with a piece for a while and with different associated components.

What would really be useful is if the magazines published reviews from users who have lived with gear for a while. The PCA magazine does this for models that have been on the road for a few years and the feedback is much more helpful and interesting because it is real world experience instead of the impressions of a reviewer who spent an afternoon at the track.

I think that the main reason that the magazines still hold value is because most people won't take their laptop into the bathroom.

My Stereophile subscription costs me about 10 bucks a year. Thats about 83 cents an issue. Truthfully I don't put any stock in their reviews,but its certainly good reading for a session in the bathroom. Every once in a while I'll get some quality information,but I mainly read it to look at the pics of different gear. Oh and their music recommendations are good for a monthly laugh too............I can find more accurate info online in 5 minutes-than 20 years of any hifi mag(rag)........