Does anybody read reviews?

Jadem6:

In a backward sense, you just proved my point - your excellent efforts in writing a review will go completely to waste if audiogon does not come up with a system for proper composition/format. Your review on the Plinius was well thought out and informative - so much so that I will probably take more time to read your other reviews. BUT, that doesn't change the fact that most of the reviews are much less well written. In fairness, it is possible that with this being a new thrust (and with prizes available) that many people are getting a little carried away with the review writing.

Next, no piece of audio gear is perfect. It's just not possible. I would not expect anyone to make negative comments simply to gain favour with others, nor would I reasonably expect people to buy gear they don't like. This is not my point. What I am trying to say is that even though I very much like the sound of my system, I would never claim it to be the ultimate, and I would be careful to point out some of it's realistic shortcomings. I feel that this would be much more helpful to individuals who are prospective buyers of gear.

I like this site a lot - visiting it has taught me a great deal and I enjoy coming away feeling a little better informed. But that will only continue to occur with input from thoughtful individuals like yourself - not from anyone proclaiming the infinite audiophile magic and majesty produced by a piece of gear simply not capable of that kind of sound.

Esoxhntr, I agree that your point has been reinforced by my comments. The review today will go un-noticed, but I'm looking further out. If people find one of my reviews worth reading, then maybe they will read the other reviews to establish my taste and basis for writing. For my personal taste the system I have now is better than anything I've heard, ever! I'm sure there is a better set of components available that could improve the weaknesses, but I have not found that combination. So my efforts are to help others find out what the past six years has yielded for me. If digital, natural, very neutral is the type of sound your looking for and if you listen to vocal, acoustic, jazz and rock than my reviews will help. If most of your time is with heavy metal, punk, opera or vinyl I can't say how my system will work.
At any rate, over time I'm hoping people will find the reviews they are looking for. If they are not written they are guaranteed to look to another source than Audiogon for there exposure to other equipment. I personally see no benefit in the scenario in that I believe we have a great sight and some extremely knowledgeable members to pull from.

Through reading equipment reviews I have discovered a lot of great music, e.g. th Sterophile ML SL3 review used a CD called "Suerte" - wondeful music.