Class-D amps - a different re view

Sirspeedy, I would like to offer some thoughts on why a HiFi reviewer may have the ability to be more accurate on his conclusions on any given product over that of the average audiophile.

It isn't that the reviewer's hearing is more acute than the average person. Note, they also bring to the table their own personal preferences & expectations on what sounds good but none the less reviewing products is what their paid to do & thats what they do all day. Also they have at their disposal several other pieces to try with the product that is under review. Not to mention a large stash of power cords and interconnects to experiment with that sometimes cost more than the piece itself. I would like to think their opinions are unbiased & not influenced by the magazine they are writing for nor the company that is submitting the product for review. Over a period of time of reviewing different products & if most readers agree with their conclusions they will build a good reputation for accuracy.

Class D amps have alot of potential and although Martin Colloms has basically dismissed them as less than audiophile grade, it really comes down to a matter of opinion as there are other reputable reviewers & users that have reached different conclusions. In fact some models have attained a Stereophile Class A recommendation. For myself I will always keep an open mind & continue to read other peoples opinions & recommendations with great interest although I have expressed my preference for analog amps, that could change in the near future.

Phd said,

"Note, they also bring to the table their own personal preferences & expectations on what sounds good but none the less reviewing products is what their paid to do & thats what they do all day. Also they have at their disposal several other pieces to try with the product that is under review. Not to mention a large stash of power cords and interconnects to experiment with that sometimes cost more than the piece itself. I would like to think their opinions are unbiased & not influenced by the magazine they are writing for nor the company that is submitting the product for review."

There's a lot of assumptions there.

-IMO

Stehno, that is what I hoped to convey in my post which is why you and I are actually in full agreement.

class d works great for bass amplifiers Ive tried many some costly as all heck.Not my cup of tea. Maybe in a few years time class d will sound better for audiophile use.Till then I use ice moduals as bass only amps.

PHD,I understand your point,and intent.I have no problems with this,and wish you the best.Please understand I am not arguing about specific match-ups,in a controlled environment,which a reviewer(and some lucky hobbyists,with extra dough)is privvy to.
I must add though,I have made the aquaintance of quite a few reviewers over the years.A few are still friends of mine.There is definitely a contingent of "some",sadly,who are hobbyists,and getting a break on equipment is what got them into this,in the first place.I do not meander too closely to these "guys".
Yes,some get paid(according to my sources, "on time" payment can be like pulling teeth,at times),but I don't believe it makes for the lions share of their income.Kudos to them,and I could not go through the constant swapping in/out of stuff.They are certainly patient,and dogged in persistence.
As to the better ability to make a judgement,as compared to the average audiophile....based on your "very good" arguement,I'd agree with you(in those specific circumstances),but I have heard more than a couple of set-ups(at reviewers' homes)that were not in the same performance class,as some of my "average" audio pals.Actually,they are quite experienced.
I mean NO disrespect!My particular tastes are unique to me(btw,I have been at this almost four decades)and I have learned that I want a particular "voicing" of the reproduction of music,in my given room,to sound a certain way.My way,for me.
Many of my audio group(some retired scribes)are adamant about hearing things,as they want it to "impress" their own tastes.I cannot tell you how often there is a disagreement,amongst them,with the "latest" rave,or even good review.It often totally contradicts a given reviewer.
Of course,I would not want to be without the benefits of reading good "responsible" reviews,and DO believe there are quite a few fine reviewers(my favorite being Srajan E. of "Six Moons"... He seemingly a very down to earth and responsible writer and I hope I spelled his name correctly).
Experience tells me to take a good review with a grain of salt,and auditioning something in person IS the only way to go.
Even you have seen,too many times,specific high profile reviewers(I won't mention who)go crazy over a given component(and yes,plenty of folks jump on these products,just from reading the review)and make mention of significant shortcomings suddenly noticed some months later.For whatever reasons.Money well spent,by the highly influenced purchasers?I was at an importer's home,after J.V. wrote the, well deserved, good review,of the Kharma 3.2's.He sold 19 pairs,that week,over the "phone".
So,with due respect(and believe me,I consider you someone to admire)I can't see anyone with a good set of ears,not using their own intuitive instincts, to make a buying decision,first and foremost,and being confident in their own decisions.
The reviewer's job,to me,is to point us in a direction he/she feels is the right path,but sometimes it won't jive with where we want to go.
warmest regards.