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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?
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lewm
13,107 posts
 
Dear Raul, I wrote a long response, but then I deleted it because this thread is about reviewers, not about your philosophy or mine. Anyway, you just proved again that rational discussion with you on this topic is impossible.

In any case, I don't want to be seen as close-minded; bring me a great sounding SS amplifier that works well on my rather demanding ESLs, and I will buy it (or try to build it). On topic, I have on occasion over the last 10-20 years been seduced by a review to sample a high end solid state amplifier; that's how I know. On the other hand, transformer-coupled tube amps don't cut it, either, on my particular speakers.
wolf_garcia
6,708 posts
 
I know some successful and highly regarded Grammy winning producers, musicians, pastry chefs, sea captains (the Grammys for Pastry Chef and Sea Captain are relatively obscure), and ner-do-wells who like the sound of modern (?) tube amps. Like them a LOT. This may be off topic, but but I'm so damaged from reading the convoluted and florid lengthy responses that the wheels have come off my topic specific response reflex.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
+1 Manitunc- You are on a roll, dude (or dudette, as the case may be). Some great posts lately.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,303 posts
 
"Look, there is very little junk out there these days from reputable manufacturers. Most of the differences are ones of flavor, not competence, especially at the levels worth discussing on these sites."

Whoops, the secret is out!

High end audio, beware....
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
04-01-13: Manitunc
Those of you who dislike reviewers, and therefore, I assume reviews, how do you find out about a product that you can't audition locally.

I wouldn't say that I dislike reviewers or reviews, they just mean nothing to me, whether professional or internet. I search the internet in general (google), and audio forums more specifically. I'll ask specific questions on discussion boards and within threads. Have you used Brand X with Brand Y and Z? Do you prefer a more transparent sound or a more musical sound? Do you like a more immediate presentation or a deeper 3-D soundstage? Obviously knowing something about an individual's experiences and tastes will either add or subtract from the information I receive. Generally though, I know that the folks I am chatting with do not stand to make any financial gain from my decisions, so that alone puts them above professional reviewers.

Then, I buy and try. If I like it, I keep it, if I don't I re-sell it and make a mental note of the recommenders musical tastes when compared with mine. If it is something I like, I keep it and begin to put some more weight behind that members input. If I don't like it, I don't simply write off that member, it could be a synergy issue, but I don't give their opinion the same weight next time.

This is how I slowly started pulling away from glossy rags. There were fewer and fewer individuals whose opinions I respected by listening to gear that they highly recommended which sounded bad to me. JA was one of the main offenders, I don't even think he can hear.
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