Mainstream reviews-why so few?

Songwriter, Macrojack, and Bartokfan, and everybody:

Clearly, from above statements, what is needed is side by side comparison among GMA, Zu and Tyler, if it could be arranged. We can also throw in Ddedelus, Adagio, Ridge Street Sasson, etc., as they inspire equal passion in others

Sometimes, it appears to me that we have become like those we profess to despise: the mainstream rags.

Reviews and assessments here typically praise one speaker, talk a little about the designer's personal story, declare his creation to be "better than models costing 2 or 3 times as much". I don't even miss the ads; many posts read like one. Compared to mainstream rags, graphs are really the only thing missing.

Aktchi,
Given the personalities, listening preferences, and different equipment that side by side comparison would be worthless.

Much like the magazine reviews and opinions here.

I think Tyler advertises and promotes quite a bit - at least on Audiogon. His speakers sure are pretty, though.

You guys know perfectly what i am implying. The mags are fed by ceratin brands ad $'s and are rewarded with glowing reviews and hype. You know how it all goes around. Most of that stuff highly praised in the mags have never held up to any such claims in my experiences.
If its advertized I'm not interested. Whats the big deal here. ?
If you guys want to support "The Industry' go right ahead.Not on my expense.
80% of the audio world is hyped to varying degrees.
I'll never forget a speaker I heard recently that was ranted about here and in a mag. Starts with the letter S.
Man what a big let down. Same old sales pitches from the early 70's. .

11-25-06: Bartokfan
The mags are fed by ceratin brands ad $'s and are rewarded with
glowing reviews and hype. Most of that stuff highly praised in the mags
have never held up to any such claims in my experiences.
If its advertized I'm not interested.

Do you drive? What brand? If one follows your logic, you will not drive
any auto brand that advertises in auto mags because surely the mags
give rave reviews to the manufacturers that advertise. So, let's count out
Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hundai,
Infinity, Jaguar, Lexus, Kia, Mercedes, Saturn, Toyota, Nissan, Saab,
Volvo.

What a nonsensical and unfounded argument.

Beyond that, to refuse all components by manufacturers who advertise is
to eliminate from consideration much of the finest audio equipment
available, thereby restricting the potential of your audio
experience.

BTW, on page 166 of the current issue of Stereophile is an ad from VAS
Audio, the exclusive distributor of Cayin Electronics. The ad features a
photo of the Model A-88T integrated amplifier and it mentions the Cayin A-88T's selection as a 2006 Stereophile Editor's Pick.

Does this mean Cayin is off your list?