Jim - As I recall from things written in the magazine, reviewers either hear something potentially interesting at a show, or check recommendations out/investigate a buzz. If something sounds promising at a show, they might request a review sample. It would make sense to seek out things that they deem might be good after hearing it a little -- why would anyone want to spend several weeks or months being subjected to torture? Maybe a mag writer will provide a more definitive answer, but, I suspect it's something along those lines.

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As I recall from things written in the magazine, reviewers either hear something potentially interesting at a show, or check recommendations out/investigate a buzz. If something sounds promising at a show, they might request a review sample.

In this case, that pretty much sums it up. As Bob Deutsch states in the review, he first encountered Flying Mole at the 2006 Home Entertainment Show.

When we got back to NYC, a representative from Flying Mole gave us a call. Having noted Bob's blog entry, they thought he might be interested in receiving the amp for formal review.