When a Reviewer "likes" something


... what does that mean in your opinion. I read in one of the last Stereophile mags a comment from Mr. Atkinson where he wrote about the differences in "opinions" in forums or in printed mags. After all he ended with the argument, a component is good when a reviewer likes it.
Isn't is more helpful, when a reviewer knows something about a real tone reproduction? Or is it ok, when he used every month another CD or LP he got for free, a kind of music nearly no one wants to listen to?
Harry Pearson used in the 90's always the same records for his reviews but that was an exception I think.
What is it worth for you when - for example - Mr. Dudley/Fremer/Valin/HP .... "likes" something? Do you have the same "taste" they have?
I know it is possible to like a Turntable even when that unit can't hold the proper speed, or is extremely sensitive to any influences, there are endless recommendations written about such units...what is it worth for you?
Atkinson for example measures units, some have top datas but they can sound very boring, far away from the real thing, some have no top datas, some "tests" are shortened because a unit can reach a area which can be pretty dangerous (see one of the latest Agostino units, just as an example) but they are rated Class A in recommendations anyway....
When someone "knows" what is right or not, then his "liking" is only a personal opinion which is more or less uninteresting or?
Most customers (not all of course) would prefer to know what a unit is really able to do sonically, or not? Would knowledge destroy the joy of Hardware rolling? Or is there a reason why reviewers use low efficiency speakers when they have a tube amp for review (for example Lamm ML2.1/ML2.2 with Magico Speakers)? Is the matching "expensive + expensive" the proper way to show competence?
128x128syntax

I had a conversation with an Audiophile who buys ONLY units the Reviewer like and recommend.

Syntax: What do you think?
Audiophile: I don't think.
Syntax: Ok, I don't get it what they like or not ...
Audiophile: You don't get it because you care
Syntax: Right. And?
Audiophile: Man, you have to read BETWEEN the lines.
Syntax: Uh, I thought I buy a review that I can read what is going on?
Audiophile: That's your problem. They can't write what they don't like, they have to do it different.
Syntax: Ok. I will try to read between the lines now …
Audiophile: Good Boy.
Syntax: Is it possible that those „reviews“ are influenced from their wives?
Audiophile: Of course
Syntax: Does it matter when she is ugly?
Audiophile: Absolutely!
Syntax: Hm, what can I do?
Audiophile: Buy & Sell. After a while you are very experienced
Syntax: Aha, is there a way to reduce Hardware rolling?
Audiophile: Of course. Tell your wife how much money you alreday spent ....

Understanding And Enjoying Audio Reviews

When they say...
(They mean ...)

In spite of the measurement anomalies, this speaker is clearly
a state-of-the-art product.
( It didn't SOUND broken when we gave it our top rating )

It was definitely borderline Class A.
( It isn't that good, but it's sooo expensive,
and they're letting me keep it --- G-d I feel So cheap! )

Better than amps costing three times as much.
( I have no idea what I'm talking about, but I like the amp )

Light years ahead of the competition
( The competition won't give us a review sample )

Despite it's slight problems at the extremes, the products strong point
was it's rendition of the all-important midrange.
( This thing has no bass and treble that actually hurts! )

We hire only the best writers.
( We'll hire any audiophile who recognizes a pencil two out of three tries )

This is an incomplete but promising design from a talented young designer.
( The product sucks but he has some money left in his advertising budget )

This product had me pulling one record after another from my collection.
( I listened to all five of my records )

The images in the soundstage had that elusive and seductive sense of palatable presence
( I haven't had sex since my wife left me and I'm starting to hallucinate )

This product lacks some of the subtle refinements we've come expect from a designer of this caliber.
( The product stinks but we don't want to piss off this famous manufacturer )

Better than amps costing three times as much
( I have no idea what I'm talking about, but I like the amp )

This preamp is the new reference
( We aint giving it back, and we aint paying' for it either )
Naive is believing the crap you read on the Internet and taking it as truth without one single verifiable fact being offered as evidence. And be willing to defame others without a thought to the consequences. I guess I can make whatever comments I like about anyone's professional competence.
Vic, I hope not. I'll be 60 in a month, with teenagers, almost 14 & 16. I wish I was long boarding as I was born/raised at the beach in San Diego. I'm not grumpy about my mortality, but I am a dumb ass occasionally.
I gave you specific actual knowledge. Did you read it? Do you want more? All manufacturers have this knowledge. Be careful what you wish for. This could open the door to just how much corruption there really is in the stereo industry.

Naive is being duped by someone you think is a professional.
Mt, ooo another better late than never parent. Coastal Cali native born with the ionized Pacific on shore, grumpy? Nah.

I have some ties in Encinitas. Rode some amazing, otherwise sleepy neighborhood breaks just South of Wind n Sea during a big Northwest a few winters back.

You're a lucky man.