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Wrong direction?

The few "threads" back, a young man was inquiring about class "A" amp. And of course, most of the responses were in regard to class "A" amplifier, also understood by myself as such. Later, the same individual mentioned if able to "...find amp like that, he would further look for class "A" speakers!" Class A speakers? Well, i was wondering what could that be?...For a second i realized that he is referring to a Stereophile grading of the audio equipment! While i have and will be guilty of buying the audio products, unheard, i sure didn't base my decisions on one reviewer opinion or another! Stereophile sale doubles, and sometimes triples during the months of October, and April. "Recommended components" run those months. And the biggest offender, i think, is What HIFI, which reminds of audio "Swap Meet" periodical, with their little flags of "Best buy", or "component of choice" etc, etc...! Stereophile rates their components in class A, B, C and on.... Let see,... between class A and B, what was the determine factor to place the certain product to one or another? Room, cables...mood? So many variables, and controlled and uncontrolled events to "make or brake" one company, or sway one potential customer from buying the pre-amp, that he thought and felt was the ONE. But just changing his mind to purchase another, which was graded one STAR higher! I think, the magazines would be doing the consumer a favor, if those ratings and grading are eliminated. Let the consumer to decide! Especially audio components.
eldragon
sean
6,229 posts
 
I agree that the way things are rated by some mags is not in the best interest of the consumer. While i'm not sure if any mag does do this, why don't they have specific categories ( tonal balance, soundstage, detail, etc ) and then score them by scaled points in each individual category? While those that are clueless would still tune into the "final score", others could look at how the component does in specific categories to see which aspects were most important to them. From there, you could then see how well the rest of the product was balanced and fit your needs by looking at the individual scores in each category. This way, you could get a very specific feel for the product as broken down by category with the same standards followed for each review. Does this make sense ? Is anybody doing something like this ? Sean >
dekay's avatar
dekay
2,959 posts
 
When I wrote the above post, I did not think of the fact that the selection of my Musical Fidelity amplifier was based on a review by Hi-Fi Choice. I could not audition the amp locally and had the option of returning the amp less shipping within 30 days for a full refund. It worked out OK as I like the amp more than the SS designs within the same price range that I auditioned at the area shops. But, I have auditioned a little SS integrated amp made by Magnum of England twice recently, and though I do not feel that it (the Magnum) stands up technically to the MF that I own, I prefer the sound of the Magnum with my speakers. It is more more musical, and I cannot get the sound out of my head. The Magnum by the way received a review less favorable than that of the MF by the same publication, Hi-Fi Choice. Go figure.
ikarus
113 posts
 
Totally agree with swampwalker. Magazine 'ratings' should only be a starting point for our quest. I don't think any one of us have enough time / opportunity to audition each and every equipment out there. So, these ratings and reviews - taken with a grain of salt - gives us a short(er) list.
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
one thing, among many, about stereophile ratings that really bugs me is: they refer only to the products they choose to review. (i know, in many instances these "choices" are really based on what manufactures beg them to review; in other instances the reviewed products are those most heavily advertised--perfect case in point is the current honker "speaker of the year," whose manufactuter has bought 2-page spreads for many months. my, my, what a surprise!) other, unreviewed products that may be, and frequently are, equal to those in class "a" are left off the list or, what a deal, relagated to class "k." how many times have you seen somebody advertise "stereophile CLASS K!!!" face it, tho, if it weren't for these ratings, stereophile would be out of business. something that may happen soon anyway.
david99
1,467 posts
 
Stereophile is in my opinion already dead.I havent read a good issue in many months.As far as the "list" goes,cornfedboy hit it right on the head.What surprises me is Stereophile seems to be so blatently obvious about it.
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