Here's why you take opinions w/a grain of salt...

[steveinaz]

Note the "wildly" differing opinions in this article:

http://www.stereophile.com/asweseeit/806awsi/

[GuitarheadCA]

Good Read,
I completely agree. I am sometimes amazed at how much "Telephone" goes around in the forum. In the end, you just need to trust your own ears, as you're the ONLY person whose opinion matters when it's your gear.

[zombie boy 2000]

I remember reading this article about a month ago... and while I agree with it's overall tone, I think it's important not to banish this hobby to the realm of complete and utter relativity.

And while opinions may vary wildly over a piece of gear or speakers, if you get more than just a few takes on something -- chances are you should begin to develop a fairly coherent picture of its attributes. Just look for the reoccuring themes in other words...

(and I was an Anthropology major, so you know I fall prey to relativistic thinking:) )

[Gaara]

When I bought my Gallo Ref 3s I read tons of reviews both professional and peer, made a list of similar properties that were found by numerous reviewers, and tried to find reviews by people with system similar to mine. I would never trust one persons opinion, but if 50 people talk about a product and describe it the same way, i tend to trust it more. I read every review on Audioreview, checked here, audiocircle, audioasylum and avsforum for opinions, read reviews online and in magazines, and found a few people with similar systems to mine (like Srajan from 6moons). Thats the way I do it with new products because most of what I am looking at is not avaliable for demo.

Of course before this I made a list of what I wanted to get out of my new speakers, and the Gallos met more of my objectives then any other speaker that I read about below $5000. Of course I read reviews and all of that for other speakers as well (it was about a 4 month process or so). But thats just me, in the end it turned out quite well.

Jared

[reeltrouble1]

ZB---I learned the theory of udder relativity at 4H.

the theory of utter BS at the School of Hard Knocks.

Still, I do though so enjoy reading about gear, reviews and so on. I suppose you need to have a sense of the reviewer's meaning from their prior work.

RT1

[zombie boy 2000]

RT -- I agree, and that was my point.... I read every review I can, regardless of whether or not I'll ever have an opportunity to hear it myself. I was just stating that while it might be easy to dismiss most reviews as being too "personal" or one man's tomatoe for another man's tomato, a lot of good stuff can be taken from 'em. Much of it is spot on esp. when read against a framework of other reviews of the same piece.


LOL on the udder relativity:D

and like I said, I may fall prey to relativistic thinking, but the subjectivity in this hobby is bad enough so it's nice to adhere to some semblance of objectivity (i.e. HK's are warm-sounding, Bose blows, apples is apples, etc)

[steveinaz]

Reviews are good for finding reoccuring problems/issues with equipment as well. That is primarily what I use them for. If 8 out of 10 reviewers say a speaker is "bright" I take that into consideration...

[zombie boy 2000]

Reviews are good for finding reoccuring problems/issues with equipment as well. That is primarily what I use them for. If 8 out of 10 reviewers say a speaker is "bright" I take that into consideration...

Agreed.

The only thing I'm wary of is a "steamrolling/domino" effect, where the first reviewer believes a piece to be analytical/etched/warm/lush etc. so the next person upon reading said review perceives the piece in much the same way. Once something (be it speaker, IC, CDP, whatever) gains a reputation in this way, I'm sure it's hard to shake.

just a thought

[cfrizz]

That was one of the funniest articles I have ever read concerning audio!

Now if anyone ever paid attention to that article, this forum & all magazine reviews wouldn't exist!:D

Just like wine connoisseurs, everyone trys to get so fancy in describing what they heard, that by the time you're through reading it, you still haven't got the vaguest idea what it sounds like!

I guess the message is, buy what you think you might like & don't let anyone else tell you that it's the wrong thing to get.

There are no rights & wrongs in this hobby just lots of shades of different!:D

[Normanality]

There are no rights & wrongs in this hobby just lots of shades of different!:D


Word.

[heiney9]

Good Read,
I completely agree. I am sometimes amazed at how much "Telephone" goes around in the forum. In the end, you just need to trust your own ears, as you're the ONLY person whose opinion matters when it's your gear.

While I agree to a certain degree....allow me to play devil's advocate. If the the above statement is an absolute truth, why have this forum? We can all operate in our own little reality and don't need any input from anyone other than ourselves.

I know that's not your point, but interaction with others who have had different experiences broadens the mind and gives a different perspective to see things from.

That Telephone game is a riot especially after a few cocktails. :D

H9

[shack]

I've bought things based on other's recommendations and also bought things based on reviews. Sometimes I like it and keep it, sometimes I don't and I get rid of it. There is probably stuff I like where I am in the great minority. In the end...it's just stuff...No big deal.

[KrazyMofo24]

I take opinions of forums more into consideration than reviews. This forum has been pretty accurate describing the difference between the different series of speakers that Polk offers.

[GuitarheadCA]

Heiney,
I'm sure you got what I meant, but I'll rephrase it: Your own opinion is more important than anyone elses' when it's your gear. I definatly agree, the forum is very useful (hence me posting on it right now.) But, I could care less if someone doesn't like my gear as long as it sounds good to me.

[reeltrouble1]

I guess the message is, buy what you think you might like

Unless they tell you to go buy some tube gear, you should always do this as quickly as possible!!!!!!!!! Tubes have hidden theraputic power. :eek:

Hey, GH, where you been? When I was but a wee pup here GuitarHead was giving out advice and help, nice to see you again.

RT1

[cfrizz]

I can't hear you!!!!:eek: ;) :D


Unless they tell you to go buy some tube gear, you should always do this as quickly as possible!!!!!!!!! Tubes have hidden theraputic power. :eek: RT1

[Shizelbs]

Nice read.