AVSA Review Suggestion

[santoshlv426]

After many years, I have read AVSA cover to cover, thanks to a Chris who shared his copies with me.  There is a multitude of equipment out there and the choice is becoming ever more confusing.

I recommend that AVSA looks at incorporating the following into the reviews to better help one make a selection. This was in fact done many years ago, but has been abandoned. CAR Magazine reviews in this way, which I find informative.

For each review, have a list of Recommended Alternatives (Also See) within the price bracket. At least 3 alternatives to choose from, and what would be the Reviewers Choice.

Also, include a list of Likes and Dislikes for each kit that's reviewed.

I understand that AVSA cannot appear to slate one manufacturer for another as it's the support of the manufactures that keep the publication going. I still think that the reviews are too focused on the kit being reviewed - without sufficient reference to say another similar priced competition and how they stack up - more cross referencing required here.

Please look at this, as I do not think that CAR Magazine has lost industry support by adopting this method of review.IMO, CAR is one of the BEST magazines in the world with top notch reviews.

It's still a great magazine, however, I do miss the Letters section.
Santosh

[Andrew]

Thanks for the feedback, Santosh - will take a look at your suggestions in the New Year.

[santoshlv426]

Thanks, I hope to see the changes.

[kamikazi]

As a recent AVSA subscriber I also have to agree with Santosh.. I find it difficult to place AVSAs reviews in perspective. Most reviews also tend to focus on the positives and seldom mentioning dislikes. It makes it kind of tricky to figure out whether you actually really like a product, how it compares to other products out there, whether products have really improved and what advantages I could expect of say a lo-fi vs mid-fi device vs hi-fi!

But it is pretty tough nowadays I guess to review audio kit. As with cars you seldom find lemons like a few years ago and like car reliability, most of today's cars are way more reliable compared to those a few years ago. I quite like Whathifi's shootouts and usually at the end of an article they would give you a typical system that you could put together which is very handy if you need to offer somebody advice. Usually their shootouts enable you pick at least two items to audition against one another and one of them will be a winner. But I must admit some reviews today are also really getting out of hand, criticising equipment for really petty stuff.

Like your magazine btw!

[joel]

Comments noted.
Something worth mentioning is that as AVSA has the  reviewers name at the end of the review, you can usually speak to the reviewer and get more info than space allowed.

[santoshlv426]

Joel,
In that case, the reviewers email should be at the end of the article.
All my suggestions was in fact done by AVSA in the 1990's.
Why it was abandoned, I cannot understand.
Santosh

[joel]

Hi Santosh
As already mentioned, your comments are appreciated and will certainly be considered.

Pretty much every reviewer is easy to contact through the magazine. I get enough spam as it is without my email address being published.
While I can't speak for every contributor to AVSA, I can say that I have replied to every email addressed to me, and to PMs sent via this forum.

There is pretty much an open invitation to anyone in the JHB area to visit the AVSA studio (and I'll go so far to add that over the holidays I'd be willing to open the offices up if a few people want to come around).

By simply visiting the studio, you should be able to get a little more insight and context into how products are reviewed.

Please PM me if you would like to visit the office and have a chat.

Joel 

[Byrd]

I'll go so far to add that over the holidays I'd be willing to open the offices up if a few people want to come around)

Hohoho. Making a comment like that ... now there's looking for trouble

[joel]

Any takers?

The first one there will have to help me set something up.

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Any takers?

The first one there will have to help me set something up.

Do we get to keep anything we set up ?

[Prince]

Do we get to keep anything we set up ?

-ROFL!!!

[joel]

If you brought it, im sure you could. Less a small handling fee.

[Byrd]

And the lonely homeless audiophiles occupy AVSA's offices for the holiday period.

[VALVAGLO]

Byrdnard,
You are some kind of distorted funny man.
How does a "homeless audiophile" look and /or exist?
What kit does he possess and in what alley does he manage to power all his stuff up?
Keep up the good wit. I love it

[santoshlv426]

Thanks for the offer Joel. I think a visit to AVSA would be great.
When I have some time, I'll drop you a line.

I didn't mean to be funny by requesting the email to be published and agree that the AVSA crew is very approachable and respond timeously via this forum, so I speak for all when I say that it's appreciated.

Santosh