hpsoundings II

[A.wayne]

Well what would make for continued discussion ..?

1.How are products procured for review ..?
2. Is there a conflict of interest when product is reviewed ny mags ..?
3. If no measurements are taken , how is opinion validated..?


Stereophile is the only US audio circulation currently testing , giving one both a subjective and objective evalution of products , the least being an extensive library to fall back on, leaving less to blind faith and opinion and as we saw recently JA 's subjective approval of a poorly tested product Led to more than just one poignant moment ..

Regards ,

 

[Gregadd]

All that would be fodder for debate. Although I hope that we could get some fresh perspectives. IMO testing has done Little to enhance Stereophiles' credibility or shield them from attack. Auditory observation is a valid and necessary means of evaluation. If you need more then HPsoundings is probably not for you.
Many reviews damn products with feint praise and or qualifications. I think full disclosure is vital. I do understand a manufacturers unwillingness to reveal discounts. Once they do they have to give it to everyone. As I said elsewhere, "Give the opinion the weight you deem it deserves/" Verify as much as you can.

 

[A.wayne]

I disagree, testing and subjective evaluation is not mutually exclusive, Testing is what makes Stereophile a valid entity to me, testing spotlights bias , goes along way in making evaluations , opinion mags are the ones flying without radar, with everything weighing on the reviewer , testing tells alot about a product at the very least, it's compatibility in one's system .....

Regards

 

[Gregadd]

I disagree, testing and subjective evaluation is not mutually exclusive,

I never said that and I agree.

Testing is what makes Stereophile a valid entity to me,

I merely pointed out that despite testing they remain the subject of ridicule and vile attacks. Do you need examples?

testing spotlights bias ,

Ignoring data can suggest prejudice but testing does not explain everything.

[it] goes along way in making evaluations, opinion mags are the ones flying without radar

My sister is a retired air traffic controller. Flying without radar (VFR- Visual Flight Rules) is common, effective and safe.

with everything weighing on the reviewer , testing tells alot about a product at the very least, it's compatibility in one's system .....

And of course that presumes the reader has the ability to interpret the measurements.You can give an opinion(review) whatever weight you want. I would hope they would be viewed dispassionately. You should make your own decision.

 

[A.wayne]

I never said that and I agree. I merely pointed out that despite testing they remain the subject of ridicule and vile attacks. Do you need examples? .

It's because of testing why they are opened to such ridicule, the opinion rags say good or bad, then what ......! and for the record, you can measure everything you hear, ignorance is from looking in the light ....


Mags that test and give subjective opinion vs
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Those which only give subjective opinion , worst from self appointed experts with very little experience and knowledge , yes i can see validity in their suggestions ...


Hey, wouldn't it be great to have the mags actually have a room at the shows, yep, put their ears on the line for the rest of us to really see if they know their BS..

Stereophile Room vs 6moons vs Positive Feedback ........


I can hear them shrinking already ...

 

[NorthStar]

I thought it would be nice to have this thread to alert members to reviews of gear and music that might be of interest. At least one member availed himself of the box set of of Wilma Cozart-Fines' work. This is much nore efficient IMO than starting a thread every time something of interest appears.

HP is obviously a lightening rod for things that are positive or negative about the highend. Such discussions are inevitable.
Those who are offended or unimpressed should feel free to look elsewhere (another thread)for entertainment. Or stay and continue to be aggravated.
Goodnight Teresa.

---- Very good points there Greg.