I gotta be honest. I feel like threads that devolve in to an "us vs them" attitude are really doing no favors to the audio community. There is already a strong divide between subjectivists and objectivist-minded people and belittling the "others" (no matter which side you are on) doesn't serve to help the purpose of informing the misinformed. It just pushes them away. Subjectivists may come to this forum - based on Steve's recommendation - to see "just what the measurement stuff is about" - and find this thread where their favorite YouTuber is at first appreciated for recognizing "this side" of things but ultimately is crapped on and they can't help but feel as if *they* are, too, being crapped on.
When I started doing videos I started off with the "gung ho" attitude of telling people what was right and what was wrong. Two or three videos in I realized that I was an a$$hole for doing that. We don't need condescension and belittling. What's the point? Because people who appreciate objective data might get a chuckle out of it? If your point is simply bouncing your opinions around in an echo chamber and not *truly* educating those who are uninformed then that's fine. But if the goal is to educate and explain then I think tactics really need to change. That old "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" adage really does ring true in a case like this.
I realize I may sound like I'm giving a "from the soapbox" speech here. But I think you guys (most of you, at least) understand my true nature is to inform and educate and to not drive the wedge between camps even further. I'm just trying to be the voice of reason. Another couple adages fit well here: "with great power comes great responsibility" as well as "carpe diem". Steve has a huge fanbase of subjective-oriented folks and has given this group a chance to be seen by them. Let's welcome those with differing views so they can maybe understand what the data is about rather than push them away without ever realizing it. The bottom line is Steve gave a shoutout to ASR (regardless of how you feel about him or his message). People may go "hmmm, what's that about". They come here, see a bunch of guys talking bad about people of their ilk and go "oh, yea, this ain't for me" and then leave. That opportunity is squandered.
/my $0.02
Erin, you do have a point. And the 'neutral', educative stance both you and amirm have adopted in your websites is commendable.
BUT, there is a but.
If you have been following these reviewers and their reviews over the last 10-20 years, you will know that Steve Guttenberg (aka The Audiophiliac) is among a group of reviewers who can be considered 'influential', meaning people follow him and his opinion. When he says 'this is my product of the year', I assume that product sells well. The same can be said about, for example, Stereophile's Recommended Components.
I have no doubt that both Steve Guttenberg and the folks at Stereophile are indeed very knowledgeable, with many years experience in the audio business.
Yet,
their reviews are not consistent over time and this is what confuses readers. They do not have a reference, a benchmark to compare products to. A pair of speakers that costs $1,000 can be product of the year or a Recommended Component. A $5,000 pair of speaker can also be a product of the year or a Recommended Component. A $10,000 speaker can also be a Recommended Component in the same list in the same year.
What is the difference among the three? Should the customer buy the $1,000 speaker, the $5,000 speaker or the $10,000 speaker?
If the $1,000 speaker receives 5 stars in a review and the $10,000 speaker received 5 stars in a review, which one is better? Which one should me, the non-knowledgeable customer, go and buy? AND WHY?
This is what they have failed to do
consistently over the years. Knowledgeable and respected as they are, I cannot help but wonder how many customers have purchased products based on their reviews only to be disappointed?
So, even though nobody wants to create a 'them vs. us' schism, these reviewers should be more consistent regarding what they recommend to consumers and be responsible enough to explain WHY they recommend the product providing enough proof, even subjective one.
In that context, the criticism they receive is justified in my opinion, but I agree it needs to be constructive as well.
My $0.02 as well, with all due respect towards all parties.