Mainstream reviews-why so few?

Some manufacturers don't want their products reviewed and don't provide samples to reviewers.

You know what I find funny about this thread, is that on one hand you have people complaining that certain speakers, equipments, ect aren't reviewed in the "mainstream press" (i.e. Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, ect) but on the other hand many of you complain about the reviews that these publications do publish and think that the "good review" has been bought to a certain extent. Truth be told, companies like GMA are doing well just by "word of mouth", and I don't think they want or need the "blessings" of the "mainstream press". The fact that they are finding their market, IMHO, without the "mainstream press" speakes volumes about the quality of the speakers they make.

Why even care about "professional reviews". What do they know?
Besides it all depends on how much money a co spends on ads will determire how much attention these presscorps will give a product.
Tyler spends zero $ on ads, and get sfaint attention from any media, but that doesn't keep Tyler from being my fav speaker.

as a reviewer, i have complete control over what i review, so i review products i think i might like or products which are interesting.

i admit to my preferences. i like panel speakers, so i would pass up most box designs.

i suspect that i am in a unique position. my editor lets me review whatever i want.

i think that companies that sell direct get less attention than companies which have a dealer network.

i think its hard for a mainstream publication to ignore certain products even if the manufacture does not advertise.

as others have stated, the combination of no advertising dollars and going direct decreases the odds of a review.

as others have stated, the combination of no advertising dollars and going direct decreases the odds of a review.
Mrtennis (Threads | Answers)

You would hope that same combination greatly reduces the cost to the consumer creating a much higher value than conventionally marketed mainstream alternatives. In other words, if I can allow myself to make purchases without reviewer endorsement, I may very well get a lot more for my money.