Recommended components on Stereophile Magazine.

These Recomended Componet Lists only help one rationalize and feel good about their purchase of some pretty expensive equipment. The difference between bad good and great equipment is usually easily apparent, it's sorting out that last category where people trip. This hobby is unique in that we make our comparisons and judgement of equipment and systems through articles and reviews, often our ears have little to do with making choices. It's not like we can take our rigs out and compete or see how they measure up to one another. Most comparison is done on paper. Many AGoner's have friends with systems or belong to clubs, but many I assume are pursuing this hobby in isolation with only a few dealers and publications to consult. So much of the stuff pushed on us is hype and even the cult of personality is a marketing tool. Oh well! What I really miss is the Audio Magizine Annual Equipment Directory.

No components get reviewed that are not 'loaned' to the reviewers. Thus many items never get a review because of the maker's policy about sending out review samples. Thus one company gets several reviews.. and many others never get any review because of the 'no loaner' policy.
As for classes, I look at the guide, read the original review if I am interested. I buy what I buy.. Who cares about defending why I made my choice? Beyond that, it is my stuff in my system, and I give a rats-a$$ about other folks opinion.

I used to have a Sterophile subscription and eagerly digested the Recomended Components issues. I'm not a suspicious type, but..

I did a little test - take the preceeding 3 issues, open to the 'Advertisers Index' in each and then look at the Recomended components list. Uncanny similarity between being an advertiser and on the recomended list. This doesn't mean the RC list is useless, just that majority of advertisers products get reviewed. How many Von Schweikert speakers have made the list? Supratek preamps? etc etc.

Be sure to make a note that it's Stereophile Recommended when selling your gear.

Bravo, Marco! Best post of the year, in my opinion.

For a long time, I've railed against the objectivist argument that audio must somehow be quantified. You just put things in far better terms than I am able.

No one tries to measure and assign a set of numbers that serve as the be all and end all to things like upscale jewelry, ice cream, or handbags. So, why do we continually fight this battle in regards to high-end audio components?