ArthurDaniels wrote: As a 3-GE-Speaker pair owner, I could care less about what some reviewer says. I listen to music several hours minimum each day and I am a critical listener. I am delighted with my GE speakers and the wonderful sense of pleasure and peace they provide each day.

I love my TRefs too, Art. But I really like to read Stereophile reviews of equipment I own for two reasons: 1) It gives me insight as to the credence of the reviewer (for future reference), and 2) the measurements section allows me to relate measurements to what I hear. Then I can use future measurements to better judge equipment I don't own when I can't audition them in my own system. In general, the measurements have been a great learning tool for me.

What got me interested in getting T1s was the Stereophile review step response behavior. Then, when I listened to them at a dealer, I was able to actually hear what the measurement was showing me. It cemented my buying decision.

Charlie

Hi Charlie,

Your points about the potential value of informed reviews are correct and I agree with them. I have read a number of reviews myself and, occasionally, a review has influenced my thinking regarding consideration of a product.

However, for me, listening is the only way for me to determine my interest in anything related to audio. And, most preferably, listening in my own environment. If I like the sound and if I think an improvement is audible and worth the money, then I will consider purchase.

Happy listening,

Art

ArthurDaniels wrote: As a 3-GE-Speaker pair owner, I could care less about what some reviewer says. I listen to music several hours minimum each day and I am a critical listener. I am delighted with my GE speakers and the wonderful sense of pleasure and peace they provide each day.

Oh if only everyone were as reasonable and thoughtful as you Art ...

charliehatch wrote: I love my TRefs too, Art. But I really like to read Stereophile reviews of equipment I own for two reasons: 1) It gives me insight as to the credence of the reviewer (for future reference), and 2) the measurements section allows me to relate measurements to what I hear. Then I can use future measurements to better judge equipment I don't own when I can't audition them in my own system. In general, the measurements have been a great learning tool for me.

Two points in response:

1) Be careful how much you read into the measurements, few magazines have the wherewithal to do it consistently correctly, and in a meaningful enough way for you to use that as information in a purchase decision;

2) I would agree that, in general, if an audition is not possible, the professional reviewers do a very good job of defining the performance in a way that one could make a reasonable purchase decision. Many people buy GoldenEar even though they have never heard them, simply because they have been universally praised by the industry audio press and granted TONS of awards. In the words of one of our dealer's top sales people, "Do you think ALL those reviewers are lying about them?"

ArthurDaniels wrote: ...for me, listening is the only way for me to determine my interest in anything related to audio.

Sandy couldn't agree with you more, Art, that's why he hates to get into the specs.

Moderator wrote:

charliehatch wrote: I love my TRefs too, Art. But I really like to read Stereophile reviews of equipment I own for two reasons: 1) It gives me insight as to the credence of the reviewer (for future reference), and 2) the measurements section allows me to relate measurements to what I hear. Then I can use future measurements to better judge equipment I don't own when I can't audition them in my own system. In general, the measurements have been a great learning tool for me.

Two points in response:

1) Be careful how much you read into the measurements, few magazines have the wherewithal to do it consistently correctly, and in a meaningful enough way for you to use that as information in a purchase decision;

2) I would agree that, in general, if an audition is not possible, the professional reviewers do a very good job of defining the performance in a way that one could make a reasonable purchase decision. Many people buy GoldenEar even though they have never heard them, simply because they have been universally praised by the industry audio press and granted TONS of awards. In the words of one of our dealer's top sales people, "Do you think ALL those reviewers are lying about them?"

This is good advice. I agree that few magazines "have the wherewithall" to do it right; I really haven't trusted measurements from sources other than Stereophile. At least Atkinson appreciates and has written about the difficulties in making speaker measurements, and I know he tries hard to make things as consistent as he can. Because of these real world problems, I always take these things with caution. I also have a background in signal processing, and that gives me another perspective.

The problems come when you want to upgrade a very good system (which I think I now have), but are unable to audition a potential new component in your existing system. I have found it impossible to judge how a component will sound in my system when auditioning in a dealer's system. There are just too many variables involved. I have to rely partly on reviews.

That said, I bought my TRefs without having read any authoritative reviews. I made the decision based on my experience with the excellent T1s combined with reading the TRef specs. I bought them sight unseen and unheard, and I wasn't disappointed. Sandy really has a winner here.

Charlie