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I have some magazines I trust. Yours is one of them. But finally it is my own ears that make the decision.
Other people usually have experiences or insights that we lack, and their opinions can be extremely useful when we make our own decisions. This is especially true when it comes to forking over big bucks for new equipment. Below is a list of expert sources. When you are considering a purchase, which do you find most reliable?
Come on! If I'm going to fork over the big $$, I'm going to be certain that "I" enjoy it. After all, it is my money. Reviewers, sales people, friends, and newsgroups may make me aware of some product I'm not familiar with, but I'd never buy a product "unheard"...not even with a full money back guarantee. Freight both ways etc is a big hassle......agram@goodnet.com
At the end of the day, it's what I hear that matters. I do, however, try to consult a broad range of sources in order to narrow the field of products that I audition. I find that "Stereophile" reviews, discussion with other audiophiles, and the plentiful resources available on the web all contribute to my ability to narrow the field down to a few components that fit my requirements.
What else would any self-respecting a-phile admit to, i mean if one does not trust his/her own hearing, then it is just a wash. other's will endeavor to inform you of what to look for, er; listen for, yet they cannot perceive for us. that alone is our mind's job. it is better not to clutter up that on going process. i am not advocating ignorance of reputable resources, i just think that we should trust ourselves more, esp. when the BIG bucks are involved in a purchase. thanks for the rant space.
I have learned to trust my local salesperson at my favorite hi-end store, but only after about a three year relationship. I do get a lost of info from mags/journals, but I don't usually buy based on their reviews/comments. Mags, including yours, have built-in bias in favor of advertisers. I can't remember the last time I read a leass than glowing review of a product advertised in any mag.
Reading audio magazines and talking to sales people are excellent ways to get preliminary information on interesting products, but in the end it all comes down to your own subjective opinion of the quality of the sound. After all, you are the one who has to live with the sound system once you have bought it.
When I see more than one opinion about a component, then I try to visit a dealer that can demonstrate such a product. The Pro review just gets me started. I still like the sound out of a Klipsch - Forte. Why does no one at Stereophile seem interested in reviewing them, or are my tastes to juvenile? I did compare a set of Forte's next to B&W 604's. I could tell no difference. The price was close.
other people's advice are good especially from professionals and they make good reference. But the bottom line.. I am the one who will be listening to what I buy, and it won't do me any good if I bought something everyone praises but I can't appreciate.
Audio journals are useful in helping one narrow one's search to a manageable level. The measurements help me to assess the quality of engineering, and manufacturers' responses help me to assess the likely experience of dealing with them should the need arise. My friend's ears, combined with the shrewdest market sense this side of the Rockies, help me keep the faith that there are bargains to be had, provided one is willing to wait. But in the end, only my ears (well, my wife's ears, too) can decide what is hot and what is not.
Although my salesman is a great friend of mine, he is just like any other friend. He likes peanut butter and I don't. That doesn't make him wrong, it just states that everyone's taste is different. Especially when it comes to something like audio/visual equipment.
Elliot and Kevin from Acoustic Image in Studio City, CA are great guys! When I ask them about a certain component, all they have to say is, "We like it." And I certainly love my Joule Electra amps. They let me audition the equipment for sometimes two weeks. I like to hang out there on Saturday afternoons. There are always interesting people there. Tom from DCC Records drops by to restock the vinyl, and we compare original pressings to reissues. The shop has become the old country store in the megalopolis, where people drop in and shoot the audiophile breeze.
I bought my first and current system on how it sounded (Restek CD and amp, Lumley speakers). Couldn't find a review and never thought to ask for a technical spec. It's all about listenig and how you feel in response to the music. The music is "real, alive, exciting." Couldn't be happier. Maybe ignorance is bliss, but then I shouldn't read your magazine if that's true.