AVSA reviews

[Sabby]

I don't know if anyone else agrees with me, but the "reviews" in AVSA just seem to me to be a rehash of the manufacturer's brochure, with just one or two paragraphs at the end trying to give the reader some idea of what the particular piece of equipment sounds like. And of course the review is always couched in glowing terms usually ending with the reviewer saying its the best he has heard so far. The reader doesn't want three quarters of a "review" devoted to describing the features of the item being reviewed, but would much rather like to know what it sounds like. I am sure everybody is aware that in this country, it is extremely difficult to compare various different pieces of equipment at one dealership as most dealerships are also the distributors of a particular brand and mainly only stock that particular brand, whether its electronics or speakers, so comparative listening is severely restricted. This is where a proper review would greatly assist especially if one is looking to purchase equipment.

[Mervin]

Welcome Sabby... A feeling that has been doing the rounds.  I always try and support local and AVSA has matured compared to years ago but when I want actual reviews I look online and I subscribe to 'Stereophile' cheaper delivered to my door than AVSA.

[Shonver]

Welcome Sabby

Sadly, it does not look like we're going to see any bleedingly honest reviewing in the near future. I do subscribe to AVSA, but I know what to expect from it, and as such it fulfills its purpose (for me).

One option is to discuss any prospective purchases on this forum, and hopefully other forum members who may have an opinion will respond. I believe that we've done quite well in this regard. Even AVSA enquirers' questions get posted on the forum from time to time, resulting in interesting discussions. Why don't you tell us more in this thread?

[DRNB]

Welcome Sabby

I hear you man, but I must also say that sometimes one should also just read between the lines. Recently Deon did a review on a Turntable, and he was not particularly raving about it, but he ended say something like he will probably not be able to get it back into the box, so he is just going to keep it. In other words, he liked it so much he decided to buy it. 

[...]

Welcome Sabby... A feeling that has been doing the rounds.  I always try and support local and AVSA has matured compared to years ago but when I want actual reviews I look online and I subscribe to 'Stereophile' cheaper delivered to my door than AVSA.

Agreed, I simply downloaded Zinio and payed the fee, Stereophile on my desktop.

[Viagara]

Guys, if you feel that strongly about it, why not take the matter up with AVSA Andrew? I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but feel that the matter should be addressed at the source

[Mervin]

I agree with taking it up with AVSA as we often do with the feedback sheet they requests every year.  Also, many letters printed in AVSA shows the users issues as well.  As Shonver said, it serves a purpose.  One thing positive is local content irrespective, I have complained before but I will always buy it.

I think it is more difficult for local magazines to make a profit than international ones.  The future is digital magazines and as you can see in the local marketplace, the Sunday Times goes to the length of giving away a news paper (although some sections missing) in order to boost circulation.  The readership out there is dwindling and times are changing.

IN the USA (was on CNN so no links here) many of the news papers are closing due to digital media.  For those who dont know the Tone Audio publication which is a free PDF download... have a look here (Current release -> http://www.tonepublications.com/magazine/toneaudio-magazine-issue-21/)

[joel]

Hi Sabby

Just to introduce myself, I'm the Joel who appears every month in AVSA.

Your complaint has some validity, but there is more to the mag than meets the eye.

Firstly I'm here on a fairly regular basis, and you can always PM if you want a little more info on anything I've reviewed.
Deon and the others also pop in once in a while.

Yes, most reviews are positive but not for the reasons you think.
It would be easy to find poor product to review, but what would this prove?
That AVSA can print a bad review.Frankly publishing is too expensive to waste space on bad product.

Lastly what people often forget is that products get reviewed on a number of levels. price, performance, build, etc.

An entry level DVD player for example that works well, delivers good image and sound quality has to score pretty well.
This doesn't mean that it will beat a more expensive player in all aspects but it may be a better overall deal.

One more thing, you're always welcome to visit us and the studio, just give me a few days notice so I can ensure that something is set up for your visit.

[Viagara]

One more thing, you're always welcome to visit us and the studio, just give me a few days notice so I can ensure that something is set up for your visit.

Which other magazine will give you an invite such as this?

When you read a review you do have to bear the points that Joel raised in mind and sometimes the "Not so good" is found when you read between the lines.....

[Ampdog]

To be grumpy but correct,

Shouldn't ALL of this have been moved to the AVSA forum??

But seeing as how it is here, and until a Moderator moves it (I seem to be unable to    ) -

Sabby,

Agreed - but do realise that every review also reflects only the reviewer's hearing, and you would probably not be ignorant how subjective hearing can be. Even in Stereophile (with likely a >10x readership and ad-support compared to AVSA) you might have noticed the (listening) reviewer giving rave reviews, while JA's measurements show distinct shortcomings, very audible distortion patterns etc. E.g. it is probably far enough into the past for this not going to implicate a certain product, but the reviewer stated at the end: "Boy, oh boy, can I ever recommend this amp!" - when JA's measurements showed a useless damping factor (about 1,2), varying frequency response, several % distortion, with such a row of high order harmonics that listener fatigue would have had no difficulty to assert itself. (Review of the same product in AVSA was quite more moderate.)

That said; yes, 'independent' assessment including measurements would be desirable, but they probably have neither the time nor the equipment. Do then read between the lines, but also take a review as guidance only. Ask yourself: Would we have been better off without AVSA? (and NO, I am not on their staff)

... and welcome here! Do pop in now and then.

[Rodney_gold]

With the internet and forums and a zillion amateur reviewers etc one *can* get alternative opinions. AVSA , which I get every month is a great showcase of locally available equipment and goings on. Reviews in general , one should take with a pinch of salt in any publication as systems rooms and reviewers taste differ.

[Rodney_gold]

PS was Deon an ex drag racer - a Black Camaro?

[PearlJam]

I share the feeling here, but AVSA is still a great read. 

[joel]

there are so many variables -many of which are that are never mentioned- that go into a review, and these can have a major effect on the outcome.
Most reviewers I would hope try to limit these variables as much as possible to try ensure balanced and accurate reviews.

We -AVSA- always put the reviewers name at the end of the review and this can help readers if they know the reviewers preferences etc. Certain esteemed other publications don't do this so who knows who formed part of their listening/viewing panel.

As already mentioned we welcome visitors and most of us are approachable -just don't mention vinyl to William some of you know what I mean-.

I tend to be a little less gracious inviting people to my home, mostly as my lounge is a permanent mess, with cables lying around and boxes stacked behind the couch. 

[Shonver]

I tend to be a little less gracious inviting people to my home, mostly as my lounge is a permanent mess, with cables lying around and boxes stacked behind the couch. 

I'll feel right at home there. Since The Big Cleanup things are a little different here, though...