The influence of reviews

[Viagara]

I am not sure sure if the reviewers always realise what effect their reviews may have on potential purchases.

I can recall two reviews which helped me decide what to buy.

The first was early 2005 when I was looking for a new AV Receiver. After auditioning a number of units, I was caught between the Marantz 5500 and the Cambridge Audio 540R and based on auditions in the shop I could not make up my mind. Then I read a review(I think it was by Deon Schoeman) called "Their Back!" on the CA and based on my impressions and that of the reviewer, I purchased the CA and I am still more than happy with it.

During last year I planned on buying a Harddrive based DVD recorder. Once again searched the Internet, looked and listened to a few units and came up with a shortlist. Again after reading a review by Joel on the LG RH-1999H, it was an easy decision.

[skinnyfat]

How much kick-back are you getting ? and why aren't you sharing it with me

Seriously though, yes I agree with you Abe. As long as there are knowledgeable, honest and unbiased reviewers (which we are lucky to have) a review certainly can tip the scales in one direction if you're battling to make a final decision. I read some of the reviews in foreign publications and often laugh at the blatant brand favouritism and broad generalizations. You can tell who pays THEIR publishing costs

[Dolby]

I know I'm about to be flamed and ousted, but I'll place my opinion anyway :

Very seldom are the reviews ever negative and at worst, and item has a small weakness but is still recommended / a good product. However as pointed out, the foreign magazines do something similar and are bias - so it appears to plague the industry. That said, the way I purchase is using an international review with their rating system combined with user opinions, forums etc on the net.

I'd use AVSA mainly for the specs and pricing.

[Viagara]

That said, the way I purchase is using an international review with their rating system combined with user opinions, forums etc on the net.

I do the same, but I wanted to point out that we can use a local publication such as AVSA as part of the process and those were two examples where the reviews helped me in my decision.

A review is very similiar to work reference, the good points are normally highlighted, but you have to read between the lines and find what was not mentioned.

[skinnyfat]

That said, the way I purchase is using an international review with their rating system combined with user opinions, forums etc on the net.

Demo demo demo first !! use reviews as a guide once you've narrowed your selection down

[Viagara]

Demo demo demo first !! use reviews as a guide once you've narrowed your selection down

Off course. That is of cardinal importance

[Cleansound]

I have to say that I have done alot of my purchases based on what AVSA reviewers have had said in the past (only some reviewers though)
Most of my equipment I have now has never been reviewed by anyone at AVSA,as a matter of fact I have found very few reviews on most of my equipment,however Deon reviewed the Graham Slee Elevator/Reflex Gold last month and as he was busy doing his review I was considering to purchase the product.Had I read Deon's review I would have decided sooner to buy these two phonostages.
I value his and certain other reviewers opinions alot,Deon has good ears and he has been around audio longer than some of us have been on this earth.
As someone said,it's a good reference.

[Dolby]

paraphrased ... he's old *cough*

[Byrd]

Unless a reviewer has the same room as I do, it is unlikely we are going to have the same views on what equipment is better.

[Cleansound]

paraphrased ... he's old *cough*

You assume,I vouch,now let's not tell Deon 

[Byrd]

Mmmm, I think I smell a rat here. Anybody ever notice how if you add an N into the name Deon you get DeNon?

Conspiracy? Have Mr Scoeman's reviews been favorable to the company in question?

[kHz]

Mmmm, I think I smell a rat here. Anybody ever notice how if you add an N into the name Deon you get DeNon?

Conspiracy? Have Mr Scoeman's reviews been favorable to the company in question?

LOL   

[dschoem]

I'm flattered that there are members of this forum young enough to consider me having been in audio longer than they've been on this earth ...

Seriously, though: as I wrote elsewhere on this forum, a reviewer's opinions should always be considered as a guide, rather than gospel. It's the reviewer's task to remain consistent in his approach and his opinions, and to qualify and contextualise those opinions as much as possible by stating supporting information such as reference equipment, music used, etc. Those who've spent a lifetime reading my scribblings  should have a pretty good idea of my approach to reviewing. Trust me, it's a tedious and lengthy process - more so than testing cars, and with many more intangibles to try and describe, quantify and rate.

We also have a huge responsibility to our readers, who invest their time wading through our reviews, to be honest. It's why I would rather write about kit that I like, than ramble on about stuff that doesn't deserve the coverage in the first place.

Now, if I could only get rid of that earwax ... 

Deon Schoeman
AVSA

[chipwelder]

Ear candles at the health store... works better than earbuds... promise, unless you have recurring problem... but you will look funny... oh wait, we're in Audio, we usually look funny

[dschoem]

It's called having a face for radio - or audio, I suppose. And who cares what we (or the kit, for that matter) looks like: just has to sound really good!

Deon