In what universe? Human nature applies.It's fairly common practice or often give them the option to purchase at a discount instead of shipping back. Hardly enough to sway one's opinion of the sound.
In what universe? Human nature applies.It's fairly common practice or often give them the option to purchase at a discount instead of shipping back. Hardly enough to sway one's opinion of the sound.
In what universe? Human nature applies.
I don't necessarily feel they are all "on the take". On the contrary-I watch several of these guys' reviews and believe a large part of what they say is true for them and their ears. But to blanket assume they are getting nothing from reviewing gear is simplistic. Most of the reviewers mentioned above receive income from YT based on views-more views = more income. How many equipment companies will continue sending these guys gear if they consistently trash it? Even if they aren't given the sample (and at times they will disclose they weren't given the sample) they are still receiving revenue from the views gained from reviewing said gear. The incentive is there. Personally I value Thomas & Stereo's opinion, even if his tastes are way more expensive than mine and Sean seems to be a genuinely sincere guy. Doesn't mean I believe everything they say, nor does it mean I discount them either. If it weren't for Amir and this site (and Audioholics as well) I would probably be buying blindly based on these reviews. I believe we can blend the objective reviews here and from Gene and also listen to the subjective reviewers as well but in the end buying products with a 30 day return policy is the best course of action.Anythings possible I suppose, all of these guys have access to much better and more expensive products, so I have my doubts in this instance. I think these guys just fell in love with the boutique feel of this small amp and thought it sounded good. They may be somewhat influencing each others opinions, Steve Guttenberg and Sean at ZF are friends, Sean talks with Thomas & Stereo and Jay at Next Best Thing Studio, they share with each other products they've heard and liked and sometimes the same product may get sent from one of them to the other for review.
Which YouTuber is Sean and which is Gene? Thanks!Sean seems to be a genuinely sincere guy . . . I believe we can blend the objective reviews here and from Gene . . .
Right, but as was noted in at least one of the reviews; for up close use or with very efficient speakers it is fine power wise.
I don't necessarily feel they are all "on the take". On the contrary-I watch several of these guys' reviews and believe a large part of what they say is true for them and their ears. But to blanket assume they are getting nothing from reviewing gear is simplistic. Most of the reviewers mentioned above receive income from YT based on views-more views = more income. How many equipment companies will continue sending these guys gear if they consistently trash it? Even if they aren't given the sample (and at times they will disclose they weren't given the sample) they are still receiving revenue from the views gained from reviewing said gear. The incentive is there. Personally I value Thomas & Stereo's opinion, even if his tastes are way more expensive than mine and Sean seems to be a genuinely sincere guy. Doesn't mean I believe everything they say, nor does it mean I discount them either. If it weren't for Amir and this site (and Audioholics as well) I would probably be buying blindly based on these reviews. I believe we can blend the objective reviews here and from Gene and also listen to the subjective reviewers as well but in the end buying products with a 30 day return policy is the best course of action.
Sean is from ZeroFidelity , Gene is from Audioholics.Which YouTuber is Sean and which is Gene? Thanks!
NoWould the AWG of the power cable have any effect on power supply noise?
Thanks. Never knew the name of the ZeroFidelity guy.Sean is from ZeroFidelity , Gene is from Audioholics.
Thanks. Never knew the name of the ZeroFidelity guy.
I applaud his efforts to get millennials into hi-fi, but any time he tries to discuss the technical aspects of the products under review, he is completely wrong. At least he doesn’t pretend to be an expert in this area, unlike some folks. Not naming names, but the worst is the older guy who always has test equipment in the background but never uses it, and spews forth audiophile fictions instead.
He is definitely one of the more straightforward, just-my-impressions reviewers. That’s fine, and he doesn’t pretend that he evaluates gear for its technical excellence. When he offers comments about the technical performance of the gear, he is often wrong. I realize the focus of his reviews is on his subjective impressions. Because of that, I do not find his reviews very helpful, but he seems genuine and sincere. Again not naming names, but many YouTubers seem like they are merely advertising the gear they review.Haha, interesting, Zero may have a bit more experience than some of the others having worked at high end audio retail in the past and also at Sony and iFi in marketing/distribution and some consulting work here and there. I don't know where all he has been right or wrong, but at least according to him when he talks with many of the designers and engineers at these companies after listening to their products, it seems they tend to agree with his overall assessments and what they were going for with the sound of the product. I think at one time he made some suggestions of things he heard to one of the early Buchardt speakers that ended up being implemented into a design change in one of their products.
Always fun to read sarcastic comments about a crap amplifier none of you has even listened to. Sure glad I make my purchase decisions with my ears. Bought this amp after hearing it. Lovely sound. Works great with high sensitivity speakers. Makes most recordings sound pleasant. Sorry for not joining your analytical bandwagon.
Maybe the world is not as black and white as you see it. I suspect many people follow both types of reviewers. You would have to be quite silly to put all your trust and faith into one kind of reviewers, be it ASR or someone on the opposite end of the spectrum. ASR teaches me about technical stuff while Zero Fidelity or the Audiophiliac teach me about musicality and emotions. None of them neither have my ears nor do they know what I like to listen to!----------
Hope I am interpreting what you are saying correctly. Here goes: I disagree.
Most of these "philosophers" are pawns of the Audio Industry Complex. They build credibility on adjectives. Their business models are built out of the samples, perks and money the industry sends their way. This same industry at one point had media to invest their ad budgets, but with the internet - and the everybody is an expert YouTube - those old mediums have disappeared.
Now comes this cadre of so called experts that only spout adjectives, believe that expensive cables and USB decrapifiers are actually a thing. Since there was no one to dispute them, sites like C-Net gave them an audience, youTube gives them followers, and they have reign. But now the slowly growing the ASR community is opening eyes everywhere. Now we see them for what they are, just reporters / commentary living off the brands. Isn't a coincidence that every time they have to buy a sample. they make sure every one knows it. As to shame the brands into sending them more stuff.
Finally, there are no bad guys here, it's a business model. However, every new ASR follower is one less for them. Its another dollar saved, accountability to the brands and better listening for us. Cheers all.
What a mature way to share your opinion. Very subtle ans convincing!For whatever reason, those reviewers have ZERO credibility! The product is a POS in a fancy box and they fell for it.
Yeah I can completely see Steve Guttenberg give a great review in exchange for a $200 discount on this amp. The guy doesn't have enough equipment. And it will look great between his First Watt Sit 3 amp and his Pass Labs Int 25! Time to wake up and get real!In what universe? Human nature applies.
Maybe the world is not as black and white as you see it. I suspect many people follow both types of reviewers. You would have to be quite silly to put all your trust and faith into one kind of reviewers, be it ASR or someone on the opposite end of the spectrum. ASR teaches me about technical stuff while Zero Fidelity or the Audiophiliac teach me about musicality and emotions. None of them neither have my ears nor do they know what I like to listen to!