Thoughts on my reviews

[emac]

As many of you know, I try to make it a habit to write up reviews, even if they are relatively brief, about different speakers or mods I've used in my systems. However, after listening to some music on a $100K Burmester system at a local dealer, it confirmed what I've been suspecting for a while. Since I hadn't listened to an ultra high quality system before, my frame of reference was off. Or, a better way of putting it would be that my frame of reference kept changing as I changed my system and became more familiar with higher end sound.

For example, since the stock Mini's were the one of the better speakers I'd heard at the time, I said they were terrific. Then, when I added the Ninja Master boards, those were great. More recently, I've added Sonicap Platinums, and now the Mini's again compare favorably to what I am familiar with now. But, the key word there is now. A few years into my audiophile journey, I've had the opportunity to hear some really good systems, with the Burmester being the runaway best. So, I can now better put the Mini's and the O-3's into context. Does that mean that Mini's or O-3's suck? No. They sound terrific for what they are. But they aren't up to what can be provided in a no-holds-barred, ultra-expensive system either.

I guess my point is that it's important for me to keep my own reference points in consideration for my future reviews, and for me to keep other peoples' reference points in consideration when I'm reading their reviews. Because they may well be right in saying that such-and-such equipment is the greatest thing since sliced bread, since it is to them.

Just my random musings for the day, I suppose.

[Jason]

The key word is 'relative'

[Cujobob]

There's a lot to keep in mind, really...

What sounds good or bad in a quick demo could become a point of reference when it really shouldn't be. It takes a while to get used to a system and certain nuances will stand out at first.

There are a lot of things that people will do that is accepted but not necessarily correct. Earl Geddes pushes multiple subwoofers and constant directivity. It sounds terrific, but until the last year or two, it wasn't really that popular of an idea.

Now, compare the multiple subs to a single servo sub, multiple servo subs, or a single high quality unit like a Submersive. Many different paths and there is no widely accepted 'right' way to do it so far.

Speaker reviews take two things in mind...the sound you recall (keyword) from the best speaker system you've ever heard and your expectations for what a good speaker system should sound like. Then, when reviewing, there's the value quotient...what is good for a specific pricepoint.

I liked my Onix Ref 2s a lot, compared to the Paradigms and Klipsch's I had demoed. Then I heard some nice Martin Logans. Then some other great speakers...then purchased some GR Neo 2X, then OB7, then Gedlee Abbeys...each was a step up from the others. Some big jumps, some smaller...my reference point changed each time. I put out some opinions along the way and looking back it seems a tad foolish thinking of some of the glowing things I'm sure I said, but its not all a waste.

When I read an Emac review, I know you like electronic music that is heavily detailed with a big soundstage. Put in the correct context, what you say has been valuable and obviously, all I've said doesn't necessarily reflect your reviews but reading opinions on audio, in general.

Yeah I dunno what my point was...but you're not alone there Ed :thumbsup:

[SnowmaNick]

Point of reference, expectations, tastes and listening enviroments and durations should all be factored in. One of the parts of written, magazine reviews that I actually like is that the reviewers normally have the ability to A) Audition the item in their own/known system and room and B) Get the time to really audition it. For the same reasons I like reading user/owner reviews. Especially that the reviewer had some time to listen to the items.

One thing that blew me away at RMAF is watching people dart into a room, listen for 30 seconds, snap a picture and leave. One gentleman I noticed doing just that this year I heard sharing with another attendee about how he was disappointed in a certain amp, after 30-45 seconds of listening to someone else's music selection. I admit a certain amount of culpability myself to this as at a show you have so many items you want to listen to you have to budget your time and if something of moderate interest isn't grabbing your attention you move on to the next but I don't presume to have the ability to accurately judge it against another product based off of that.

One of the many things I have enjoyed reading your reviews emac is that you take the time to really listen, judge and compose your thoughts, even in short reviews. Its appreciated.

[emac]

It's interesting to reflect on how my understanding and appreciation of audio has grown since I start, and hopefully will continue to do so in the coming years. It's now much easier to listen to a system and pick up what is happening sonically in a shorter period of time. And hopefully my future reviews will reflect this developing grasp of audiophilia.

Cujobob, you bring up the interesting point about my preferences for music and soundstage. It's a recognized limitation of mine, which is why I try to play different types of music and get my wife's opinions as well. But that doesn't change what I appreciate in the music. I think the thing that I will try to do in future reviews is to write what my sonic preferences are (e.g. soundstage), what type of music I enjoy, and give a better sense of what my frames of reference are. I've kind-of-sort-of did that in the past, but I want to be a bit more explicit in the future.

[quadman]

I think the thing that I will try to do in future reviews is to write what my sonic preferences are (e.g. soundstage), what type of music I enjoy, and give a better sense of what my frames of reference are. I've kind-of-sort-of did that in the past, but I want to be a bit more explicit in the future.

As a suggestion, caution, FWIW, IMHO, and just my $0.02.... don't get so caught up in trying to justify or explaining your personal preferences that you lose sight of the real purpose of what you are writing about.... the speakers themselves. My problem with some reviews, is the reviewer gets so caught up in trying to lay out his/her credibility and/or proof of being unbiased, that the review itself becomes either an after thought or gets buried in a mass of self serving hyperbole and becomes boring. "Too much" explaining and it becomes just too darned long to read and interest is lost in the sea of words.

On the other hand, short, conscise, well organized and to the point can be very persuasive and an excellent read.

Of course.... FWIW, IMHO, YMMV and just my $0.02 again. :shiftyeyes:

[NekoAudio]

At the moment, I like suggesting people audition some Analysis Audio full-range ribbons driven by something like the Spectron Musician III amp. There's a very specific sweet spot, and it won't deliver the bass the way I want it, but I think it's a good pair to check out as a high-end system.

[dvenardos]

I really appreciate your reviews Ed. Although we listen to very different music we seem to have similar taste in speakers. Reading reviews from different people really helps to suss out the strength and weaknesses of a particular component.

Don

[PhenomeNhan]

Yea, it's always useful to provide a reference point for reviews. But this isn't an easy thing to do. I always enjoy reading your reviews, Ed.

[emac]

As a suggestion, caution, FWIW, IMHO, and just my $0.02.... don't get so caught up in trying to justify or explaining your personal preferences that you lose sight of the real purpose of what you are writing about.... the speakers themselves. My problem with some reviews, is the reviewer gets so caught up in trying to lay out his/her credibility and/or proof of being unbiased, that the review itself becomes either an after thought or gets buried in a mass of self serving hyperbole and becomes boring. "Too much" explaining and it becomes just too darned long to read and interest is lost in the sea of words.

On the other hand, short, conscise, well organized and to the point can be very persuasive and an excellent read.

Of course.... FWIW, IMHO, YMMV and just my $0.02 again. :shiftyeyes:

I've read those type of reviews as well and have no desire to go down that path. Many of you who have posted in this thread have figured out my preferences and frame of reference, but I think it would be worth mentioning them briefly in future reviews.

[lngbruno]

Ed,

IMHO, you stated it very well. The key is to enjoy the audio journey on your terms and don't let others direct you. I have been on an audio adventure/journey since junior high school (about 40 years) and still love auditioning all types of electronics and speakers regardless of price. My wife says she likes tagging along because she finds my quest intriguing. She reminds me that since we are on an adventure that we embark with an open mind, have no preconceived opinion of where it will lead, and never get lost in the journey. This is what makes it fun and enjoyable.

I enjoy reading your musings on your journey, so please keep posting...

Lou

[emac]

Ed,

IMHO, you stated it very well. The key is to enjoy the audio journey on your terms and don't let others direct you. I have been on an audio adventure/journey since junior high school (about 40 years) and still love auditioning all types of electronics and speakers regardless of price. My wife says she likes tagging along because she finds my quest intriguing. She reminds me that since we are on an adventure that we embark with an open mind, have no preconceived opinion of where it will lead, and never get lost in the journey. This is what makes it fun and enjoyable.

I enjoy reading your musings on your journey, so please keep posting...

Lou

Well said, Lou. Well said. It's a journey through audio, with interesting surprises where you'd least expect them. Always nice to have someone to go on that journey along with you too.

Not going to stop posting, though they don't come as often as they used to, for better or worse.

[corndog71]

After 15 years in this hobby I'm still learning. Over the years I have heard a lot of better than average gear and on the rare occasion some truly intoxicating set-ups. It always a good idea to the hear the really expensive stuff to gain perspective. And also as a reminder that money isn't everything. I have heard $100K systems that bored me to death and $50K systems that gave me a natural high.

I will say one thing. Danny Richie has a damn good pair of ears not to mention the stuff in between. My b-stock AV123 speakers while still improvable are some of the best I've heard for the money. That sealed servo sub I bought from him is also one of the best purchases I have ever made. And I'm certain it could be even better with some more tweaking.

Anyway, I appreciate the reviews as well. Sometimes words just can't convey properly the things we hear. And as we grow into the hobby our reference point will often change. I too have to be reminded on occasion what else is out there. Keep up the good work.:thumbsup:

[dvenardos]

Definitely for worse. :)
I was pretty upset when he who shall not be named pissed you off and you were no where to be found. Glad that you are here. :yes:

Not going to stop posting, though they don't come as often as they used to, for better or worse.

[emac]

Definitely for worse. :)
I was pretty upset when he who shall not be named pissed you off and you were no where to be found. Glad that you are here. :yes:

I'll say it. Voldemort. Oh, shoot. You're referring to someone else.

Seriously, that was kind of a wake up call in a number of different ways, most of which were for the better, so I can't argue to much.

I will say one thing. Danny Richie has a damn good pair of ears not to mention the stuff in between. My b-stock AV123 speakers while still improvable are some of the best I've heard for the money. That sealed servo sub I bought from him is also one of the best purchases I have ever made. And I'm certain it could be even better with some more tweaking.

Anyway, I appreciate the reviews as well. Sometimes words just can't convey properly the things we hear. And as we grow into the hobby our reference point will often change. I too have to be reminded on occasion what else is out there. Keep up the good work.:thumbsup:

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Danny has a great ear and his speakers typically produce a sound that is much better than the price point would suggest. With his speakers I've been able to put together systems of a high quality that I didn't think I could afford at this point. And value for the dollar is always an important consideration. For as much as AV123 has been maligned over the past months, they did (I guess still do) produce very good speakers for the money.