When was the last time you read a bad review in a Hi-Fi Mag?

marl

marl

marl

Soldato
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16 Jun 2004
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Is it just me, or are reviewers now very polite and reluctant to give a product (made by a manufacturer who no doubt spends 1000's on ads in their mag) a bad review.
 
Amazinly WHF actually ripped a piece of CD player to pieces just last month. More astoundingly, they almost did a reasonable job of highlighting the differences in sonic presentation during a group test, as against just saying "we prefer them in this order".
Not that I'd take their comments with anything bit a pinch of salt, but it's a start.
 
i remember reading a review where a 70 grand linn reference system got a slating a few years back, but generally, i think they're torn between risking advertising revenue, and risking not getting sent any new kit to test.

what can they do?

sometimes you can read more from the enthusiasm in the review than the words themselves.
 
there are lots of sets that get bad reviews

unfortunately these are from the brands that dont pay them

you will never see a panasonic or a sony get a bad review in What HiFI

its definately biased.
 
thefishydidit said:
In the October issue the Mission E5 speaker package got a lousy review despite them have a full page rear cover ad.
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Yeah - I have to say that I looked at a few issues over the last 18 months when I first heard people saying that spending money on advertising gets you a better review. Absolute tosh is what it is.

Theres been plenty of times when a review is poor even when spending lots on colourful advertising in the mag.

What people fail to realise is that many manufacturers place ads in mags when they know their products are about to be reviewed so that peoples' attention is brought to the item whilst it is in the forefront of their mind. Its a good marketing strategy and, if the product gets a good review or even a qualified review, its enough to turn a profit thats for sure.
 
Its been interesting to read your comments. Personally, i'm somewhat sceptical of what any reviewer writes, whether good or bad. One feature i did like was in a magazine which i don't think is available any more which gave manufacturers/distributers a 'right of reply,' to respond to a reviewers comment!
 
doopydug said:
Yeah - I have to say that I looked at a few issues over the last 18 months when I first heard people saying that spending money on advertising gets you a better review. Absolute tosh is what it is.
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i dont believe its simply down to money from advertising

i think personally, its more down to subtle kickbacks, preferntial treatment with review samples etc.. that does it

theres no doubt that what hifi has favourite brands. whether thats an editorial influence through personal preference

or downright bias due to something else

nobody can really say, but theres no doubt in my mind that what hifi isnt unbiased journalism
 
sony and panasonic definately

they never say a bad word against them lately. Allthough strangely, they absolutely slated sony's A12 LCD. Then unnaminously priased the not much better 1000 series...

they also have their favourite hifi brands as well. But as im not much of an hifi person i never really pay attention.
 
MrLOL said:
sony and panasonic definately

they never say a bad word against them lately. Allthough strangely, they absolutely slated sony's A12 LCD. Then unnaminously priased the not much better 1000 series...

they also have their favourite hifi brands as well. But as im not much of an hifi person i never really pay attention.
Click to expand...

I am sure they recommended the pioneer 8th gen plasma over the panny equivalent and an onkyo av reciever over the Sony recently?
 
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