I really liked your reply and there is truth in it to think about. I do enjoy reading some articles/magazines more than others. You are correct that I am not seeing enough of what I want to read. Maybe that is just me. And I really appreciated you showing me a window into the reviewing process and how hard it is, including the space it all takes up literally. I couldn't imagine doing it. It does help to remember that it is a tough task and that certainly increases my appreciation for the authors.
I agree that I am not seeing enough of what I want to read, which is what I am expressing here in my own inarticulate and admittedly poor way that perhaps is not expressed well or clear enough: I'd like to see more story in reviews and less reviews in general perhaps or at least reviews that situate products in systems. I would like more transparency, the way Youtube reviewers of cameras say: Canon sent me his camera but I cannot keep it and they have no say over what I write... Or if magazines would address the advertising issues Roy mentions in the interview quoted above. What I feel is that the magazines aren't speaking of the audio world I inhabit, walk through and live in--the problems and issues me and my buddies are facing in our systems and the methods for solving them. What they are good at is telling me about new products and turning me on to new music. Some authors do better and I do feel like I get to know their journey, the music they love and why they choose the gear they do. Like any subject, some authors are fun to read and others are boring. I could be alone on this, and I am willing to be wrong about anything, but I do feel like the magazines are written for the benefit of the manufacturers/dealers rather than the music and gear lovers reading the magazine. And old timers often tell me it didn't used to be that way (though they say that about most things). I am not sure there is a solution to this issue, or if anyone on the magazine side even cares.
Well we have finally reached the end. The end? Yes the end . There is no way to please this group or any group it seems in todays world. On one hand having Roy Gregory explain his thought process and beliefs about audio/reviewing and systems is what one asks for and on the other hand feels this is ridiculous and insane. There we have it, the current situation in a nut shell. We can't have it both ways and everyone can never be pleased.
I personally am a believer that it is always the system we are listening too. The system includes the room, the gear, the seating, the power, the room treatment or lack off, the sources etc. Is this even a consensus among the participants of WBF? I wonder. Again on one hand this comes up and then boom "man let's have an a/b shootout between product one and product two. There are also those who " I need to see the measurements!" but wait not those measurement those are silly and I don't accept those.
Reviewing is not easy and if done correctly ( whatever that means) its done thoroughly and seriously then the reader must choose what is important to them and who if any to accept.
I give the example of a food or movie critic, which is what my definition of reviewer is, If I go to a suggest place and enjoy it I am more likely to follow that critics next recommendation and try that as well. If I didn't like I am less likely to ever read his/her again.
There is in the works a Youtube channel that will focus on the designer and getting to know them and their process and motivations. Coming Soon to a computer screen near you.
I also believe that there is a lack of transparency into the whole process. I am not saying or implying anything clandestine only that I don't believe most readers understand the process and how it actually works. I think Roy did address some of this in the article which started this thread.
I doubt that the problems of individuals and their system issues can be solved in a review or on an online forum. You may receive opinion, advice and possibly some direction but it seems that agreement is a prize buried very very deep.
One last thought for the day.
IMO all the really good systems that I have heard ( mentioned a few of WBFers) do more things alike than they do differently. I know I am insane and a heretic but maybe I'm not that crazy after all. Marty, Mike, Carlos etc. all are seeking to get the sound of music in their rooms. They may listen to different genres and artists but the end goal is MORE. More is bringing the music closer to them and enjoying it more. Jim Smith talks about ME, or musical enjoyment, I call this MORE. Stirling Trayle helps people get more from what they already own. Perhaps this is a path less traveled and needs more footprints. Perhaps Roy Gregory might have found something to try. Perhaps the A/B of listening to differences ( of all sorts) is not the correct path. Perhaps everyone's opinion is not equal. Perhaps there is a way to MORE audio enjoyment and IMO that path is in education.
The audio business has , not in all cases, taken advantage of the way it has made itself to further protect itself, and to keep much of the status quo intact!
Yes I am insane HAHA