Steve & Herb on NEGATIVE REVIEWS + Tour Herb's System!

#audiophile #audioreviews #hifi

Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan

[Unpreeeedictable]

Just a couple of guys talking passionately about audio. Love it!

[DavidEvenson]

Love everything about episodes with Herb. You can tell he’s someone who you could have fascinating conversation with for hours.

[albertmeijer]

So happy to see the two of you together again, these are the best but also most interesting videos!

[joesugarman]

So, what if every restaurant reviewer and every movie reviewer published positive reviews about every restaurant and every movie? That doesn't really help the consumer, does it? How does that help me decide where spend my money? Publishing all positive reviews does a disservice to the reader -- as well as to the equipment manufacturers that actually produce an outstanding product. In a magazine like Stereophile, where every review is positive (and every manufacturer gets to publish gushing thank-you notes about their positive reviews *in the same freakin' issue* -- hello, journalistic integrity?), how does that help me decide what to buy or what could sound good in my system? Frankly, I think negative reviews are much more fun to read than positive ones. People who write negative reviews aren't trying to prove anything, Herb. They are simply doing their job as a reviewer.

[angusvanhalen]

I love it when Herb is on! And I’ve been into 2 channel audio for many years, and have had all kinds of amps, speakers, turntables, DACs etc etc. And I’ve never had anything that sucked, something that others needed to be warned about. I’ve had stuff that I preferred over other stuff, but that’s probably more my personal taste in music as opposed to something being wrong the gear.

[poturbg]

If a negative review of an overhyped product, or one that is poor value for the money, stops people from buying, the review has done a good deed.

[hilde]

The notion that Herb does not have standing to write a negative review is laughable. What right does the movie reviewer or restaurant reviewer or any other reviewer have to write a negative review? They have their expertise, their sensibility, their talent with language, and the validation of an audience who resonate with their arguments and evidence.The notion that Herb does not have the “ right” to question a manufacturer shows the degree to which has been captured by the industry. It is not the mark of a good reviewer to be so submerged in self-doubt.

[eaustin]

I don't always agree with where Steve and Herb are coming from but I have enormous respect for both. Love this channel.

[NickP]

Man…Herb is just on another level. Love hearing him share his thoughts and seeing his current system. 🎶😊 Thanks very much, guys!

[tietoliikenne]

I usually have a hard time watching long videos but with Herb and Steve together, there's seriously a lot to learn here. I watched every minute of it.

[michaeltrochalakis]

Herb is one of my favorite audio journalists. Thanks for having him on!

[glenk]

This discussion was informative, entertaining, and truthful. Something I consider when buying something new for my stereo is whether it was reviewed by any reviewer at all. No review of a product, especially a product that has been around for a while, is nearly as bad as a negative or bad review. If reviewers across the industry are not making the time to write about it, I am not inclined to take a chance on it.

[davidreilly]

Two good people talking audio, wish I could listen for hours.

[ringwearvinyl]

Steve, Herb is the answer to your podcast. You two should do a podcast together.

[ecyfoto]

I was in the market for a fairly low powered amp to pair with my very efficient floor standers. Eventually my choice came down to one based on reviewers’ articles/videos, Steve’s included. And then I read Herb’s. His enthusiasm for the amp grew as the article progressed. He even challenged himself by pulling out some tunes that he thought might be difficult to reproduce. He was so impressed that he gave the amp a hearty endorsement. I bought one. He was right. It delivered the quality of sound I’d hoped it would with my speakers. What a match. Thank you, Herb!

[scottparkhurst]

Ughhhh.. Rationalization: The action of attempting to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate.. Two very likable people, jumping through very embarrassing hoops.

[hifisoftware]

I think that’s a good presentation from a reviewer point of view. Very valid. It might be good to mention why consumers look, for …bad… reviews. Maybe not bad but honest - bad or good. When I, as a consumer, look for a product and only find say 2 good reviews. Then I do not know if 20 reviewers looked at it and 18 of them did not like it and 2 liked. Or only two looked at the product and they all liked it. So, while 100% understand why reviewers will want to avoid something as touchy as bad reviews. But it’s sad for consumers and I hope with time this will change. And it’s not about being objective… There is no such thing. But if I find a reviewer that seem to align with my taste, I would love to know not just what that reviewer liked but also what the same reviewer did not like…. It’s not that piece of equipment is good or bad - it’s whether it matches reviewer preferences.

[marcgabor]

I love how Steve and Herb are just standing for this whole conversation.

[Shoebutie]

People rely upon reviewers to give honest even negative reviews to offset the false positive or overly effusive reviews by reviewers who have an agenda, want to help friends in the industry, or other reasons apart from helping people. If six reviewers with an agenda give a glowing review of speaker A and Steve does not review it because he thinks it is a bad product, all we have are 6 positive reviews and no honest imsight

[TorToroPorco]

It’s always wonderful to hear and see Herb, he’s such a treasure. Honest enthusiastic reviews are always appreciated but they should always be tempered by revelations about possible shortcomings or caveats so potential buyers don’t make an expensive mistake.