Thanks for sharing this insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the audiophile review industry. It’s refreshing to hear someone address the transparency issues so openly. I appreciate your commitment to honesty and the way you distinguish your channel from others by explaining your approach and expenses. That said, I think you spent a lot of time discussing the inner workings of your own channel. While I understand the value in explaining your transparency and philosophy, it feels like it took up a significant part of the video. Since the title suggests a broader look at “SECRETS Behind Audiophile Reviews” and “HiFi Dishonesty,” I was expecting more examples or specific insights into industry practices overall. For example, delving more into the specifics of how certain industry players or platforms operate, or perhaps sharing detailed cases of how some review processes might be influenced, could have provided a broader perspective. Don’t get me wrong-I value the transparency you’re bringing to your content. It would just be great to see future videos that dive deeper into the industry as a whole, with more examples or comparisons, since that would really help viewers grasp the broader landscape of audiophile review practices.
Thanks for your comment. I do appreciate it. OK here goes: Some of the "big" hifi reviewers get sent free gear from mfg's to promote. They then usually turn around and sell that gear immediately for profit. They also don't just "happen" to cover rooms or gear you seen them cover in shows. Where as I cover gear and brands I actually LIKE, they will only cover brands who pay. One of them won't even walk into the room for less than $1,500, and another one won't send any of their people into a room unless you pay a minimum of $600. So in order for these guys to talk about the gear you think is random, they are demanding payment from the brands to cover them. In many instances if you don't pay, they won't talk about you....ever. I have specifics of who charges what as it's an open secret and they openly talk about their charges to companies at the shows, but they seem to forget to mention that it's paid coverage in their videos. And there are others still who if your DON'T pay them their price, will say on their videos that the room sounded poor. Yes I have specifics about people who do this and have verified this through numerous different people who have their own similar stores with the same people. No I won't publicly say names. They will implode at some point on their own. I'm not worried about them. I'm too focused on doing my own thing.
I gave a negative review on an amp a viewer sent me and data to back up my review. I was contacted by the manufacturer asking me to take it down. When I said no, they openly offered to GIVE me several of their multi thousand dollar amps to take it down. When I said no and explained what was wrong with their product, they asked if they fixed the product, would I re-review it. I said "Sure", they fixed the main problems, I gave it a nice review. Then they threatened legal action for pointing out they fixed the problems the earlier version had and openly denied that they made any production changes, when I have a video SHOWING the changes they made. Bizarre! Oh and this Amp was awarded "Amp of the year" by multiple other influencers.
thanks for your honesty... you confirm what i've been thinking for a while: most audio reviewers are just sophisticated salesmen... some are better than others, but in the end, it comes down to what you're saying... and i agree with you about sixmoons... which is also the only magazine i read regularly...
I stopped reading Stereophile and Home Theater Review over a decade ago because it was obvious they were FOS. Most of the mega-buck gear that F***er and R***y recommended I ended up sending back because it just didn't sound good in my system. Yes, it floated on a fluid bed and was drenched in a fluid bath filled by monks in the Himalayan mountains over 100 years ago...but it didn't sound good! I have no doubt the anointed reviewers are VERY well compensated both on top of and under the table for their reviews. Try it in your system and see if you like it. I only do business with companies that allow a trial period on products. If they don't, I won't do business with them because without hearing it in your system, it's a very, very expensive crap shot.
I totally agree with you that trying in your system is the MOST important thing. That's why I say in all my other videos to NOT take my advice, and go listen for yourself. Thanks for watching.
@@GreekAudioGeek like the glossy supplements to the Sunday NYT, WSJ, and FT - it’s paid for by advertiser. The fact that there is an occasional informative piece (or a “test disc”) doesn’t change its essence as a commercial endeavor.
You are spot on when it comes to full time politicians. A drain on taxpayers. A waste of money and time. They spend most of their time making money for themselves instead of passing legislation. Part time like Texas is the way to go. Hi-fi is the least of our worries. Thanks for your video. Rock on!
What a wonderful Accuphase amplifier! I live just a 5-minute walk from Accuphase's headquarters. My own Accuphase is a model from over 30 years ago, though.
Thank you Sir, I'm sick and tired of the bull, the fact they don't highlight issues with products really ****** me off, the fact they don't follow up what they recommend is wrong .. Every item reviewed seems better than the last, then we have favourite companies so it's better .. Not all reviewers do this but most do .
Appreciate you. I'm well aware of the time involved in running a channel 😏 I just found your channel and and its refreshing to see an un objective HIFI channel. 👍 I have a Timbernation stand as well! I just took your advice and ordered some of the Stack Audio Isolators. Keep up the good work! Subscribed!
Thank you! I like my Timber Nation shelf but have found I need a different design/set up so I've outgrown it. I need to figure out what I'm going to do at some point. Stack Audio is fantastic stuff and the in home trial makes sure you like what you buy.
It's all about integrity or the lack of it! In certain cases I thought it was illegal for people to do reviews and not disclose that they are being paid or being given free product? A friend of mine, once told me the story of a distributor who was bringing into the country a German power amplifier. They approached What hi-fi for a review and was told that dependant on the how much advertising they were prepared to pay for in the magazine would greatly affect how favourable the review would be. I never bought the magazine again after that!
I upgraded for years. Cyrus,NAD, NAD, Onkyo, ARCAM,REGA....NAD again..... etc and finally settled for Yamaha. I never believed any reviews and only when I had a local reseller in order to check it out in the shop. Here's the problem and cannot be ignorded: SHOPS ARE CLOSING!!!!!!!!! We have lost three HiFi dealers in my city. It's really sad. Anyway, Yamaha Integrated with streaming and works very well. A pro-Ject turntable, second hand transmission line JM Reynaud (wiked french brand) Cantibile loudspeakers. Sound is scrumptous! I use Qobuz and it sucks. It's falling out quite often. I want to upgrade my tuntable......look forward to the next review...
Agreed. They should just be one more data point people take in and then use their own brains to make the decision that is best for them. No one is a "victim" of sales people or reviewers like some seem to position themselves. No one is ever forced to buy anything. Thanks for commenting!
The high end audio companies need reviewers to hype their gear as”the best ever” or made such an improvement that they now can’t live without it; otherwise they would go out of business. They need to convince the audiophiles with more money than common sense to first overspend for components because they’re so wonderful and then convince them that they need this or that accessory (power regenerator/conditioners, turntable speed control, DDC, power/speaker cables, isolation pucks, cable risers) to actually make their system sound good, because obviously the high priced goods they bought weren’t actually built well enough to eliminate the most basic (and common) issues.
You say " more money than common sense". Why do people always play the jealous class-warfare angle? There are an awful lot of poor people who are stupid to. But someone buys something you don't agree with and you are smarter than they are? smh
I know I have sent back more gear than I have kept. What sounds good to one person is not always going to sound good in my setting. My buddy has done the same, we each bounce gear off of each other, which is a big help. Our systems are darn near identical at this point, and now fine tuning until the next great must have comes along. ;-)
Thank you for you honest views. Most of us who do our home work before making our purchasing decisions, and through many years of experiences, we are aware of the dishonesty and snake oil. Kind regards again From the UK
My whole life I've listening to HiFi audio equipment. I read all the magazines and went to the audio shows. Why is it that with each new piece of equipment, music reproduction inches closer and closer to "real sound" but... it never arrives?
Hi David - certainly some new gear is better than others. But I've also found over the years that much of the new gear - to my ear - only sounds more analytical and less like real music. As always never take the work of any video, reviewer or posting of a forum and listen for yourself.
You have fallen victim to an illusion. High End can give you, let's say 70%, just to have a number, of the real thing. You never march on straight to the 80% level, you are only moving left and right along the border Line, perceiving a little more of this and then a little more of that, you are fooled by different angles of perception.
You got a new subscriber, I love your honesty and what you stand for. What you said is what I feel about many of these so-called "audiophiles" who pretend to be just normal and non-bias
Michael you are very much appreciated. I’m sure many like me migrated to this channel from others tired of their bs and glorified infomercials. Hard to hear half a critique ever . They are all so worried about repercussions that they rather omit less than positive comments. I would suggest to create a Patreon page to support your work.
I'm old enough to remember when there was no such thing as the internet, let alone UA-cam. I had to visit stores to test out stereo equipment for myself. Guess what? The dishonesty back then was probably even more rampant than it is now. Sales people and even entire stores would collude to mislead and rip off the general public by doing things like setting up in-store listening environments in order to tell you that you're listening to one brand/model when you're actually listening to something else. That was widespread and many people were taken advantage of. They would sell people inferior equipment after letting them "test drive" premium equipment. And they would charge the customer premium prices. It was the wild west back then. When you're talking about commission-based transactions totalling thousands of dollars, no matter what the industry is, there's simply no way to know who to trust.
I find it difficult to even listen to products I’m considering. I walk in and say I want to hear two amplifiers that I’m considering and the salesman says they want to know my needs and budget and perhaps it would be better to build an entire system rather than just picking something I like. Thirty minutes later I get to listen to a totally different product and have to schedule follow up appointments to listen to something similar but still not the exact product. Today I just wanted to hear two amplifiers that the particular store carries and took my wife along in case a I loved what I heard and never did get to listen. And of course I’ll need a much better streamer and speaker cables and on and on. After all the rigamarole, I feel like I wasted an afternoon and tempted to just buy online. Has happened multiple times at different high end stores. Can’t any just let me hear what I want to hear without explaining my life story, room dimensions, budget (which is flexible to some extent depending on how good it sounds) and without scheduling follow-up appointments? And you right, I have no idea if they are putting their fingers on the scale in someway to favor a product they want to sale.
Monster Cables! But, they were the only game in town for a higher end cable that was readily available to the general public. I do miss their power supplies, I still use one in one of my systems.
@@williamhicks2763 Myself and my friend audition quite a bit of gear in our homes. We use our credit cards or outfits like Affirm or Klarna to finance purchases we may be iffy on. We want to audition but have questions, just as you do. I would say we send more gear back then we keep. In many cases the only out of pocket expense to audition for 30 to 90 days is the cost to ship the items back, including amplifiers, preamps, speakers, etc... Just because it sounds good in the shop, does not mean it will sound good in your room. Just be gentle with the packaging, do not open the accessories if you can help it. Have your own cables and power cords and use those, it makes returns much easier. We hate to do it, but if it does not sound as promised, or expected, it goes back.
@@GreekAudioGeek Thanks. Yesterday I wanted to hear the McIntosh MA12000 and the MAC7200 because I’d like to know if the price difference is worth it to me and I’ve never heard a tube pre-amp stage. So, I really just wanted to hear that difference and the power difference and see if I felt like it might be worth it. At the very end I was informed that they didn’t have an MA12000 but I could come back next week to hear the separates version and that would be similar to the MA12000. The main thing I can’t do without is a HT bypass but other than that I’m open. I really wanted to hear Audio Research as well and compare similar priced products in their lineup. So, this store was the only one that I could find that carried both brands. I do have another option to perhaps compare the McIntosh products so I’m going to call them tomorrow to see if it would be possible to compare those two units and possibly the separates side by side. As far as the Acoustic Research, I think that was the only dealer within 200 miles. We ended up listening to a Luxman 507z which was nice I’m sure but with speakers I was unfamiliar with and a very expensive streamer I had a hard time judging how it might stack up. I definitely didn’t come away feeling like it was my endgame. I’ve also been interested in Music Fidelity for a long time but haven’t found anyone that carries them. May be worth a road trip. I sort of have a similar interest with Music Fidelity in that I’d love to hear the M6xi or M8xi compared to the Nu-Vista 800.2 to know if the price difference is worth it to me and how they compare to others.
The main fact is simply knowing, and believing YOUR OWN EARS. Not theirs! And personally, my ears enjoy biamplification with tube mids, and highs and transistor bass, and Sub-bass, along with hybrid pre amplification, be it fourth, third, or second tier from flag.🌹
I started paying closer attention to the logistics of it, something like 30 years ago. As a luxury market, they’ll spend the bucks it takes to get that wow-factor performance they know folks will pay for, but with 79, to 91% mark-up, they maintain limited runs to keep the really well made, choicest pieces for the clique! (I’m referring to the ultra-rich niche design houses) Heck! I would love a JeffRowland Design Daemon Integrated Amp sitting proudly in my listening room! I’ll keep naming names: Solution, Goldmund, Boulder, Vitus, Plinius, Bri’Labo, Tidal, Verity, Wilson Benesch, TAD! Imagine the costs of all THAT engineering and tooling!
That’s the thing right, putting trust into people and hoping they are giving honest reviews and opinions and not reading from a corporate script and selling out himself and their audience for a dollar.
Yassu Greek Audiogeek! HiFi is a "mastered technology" since the 80's - 90's! Even non highend gear is able to reproduce more than adequate fidelity The "problem" is that there is no money in that! That explains it all! OPA!!!
$3k on a headphone setup will get you the best sound you're gonna get; no need for a HE-1. Go even cheaper if you want; there's a reason the Sony MDR 7506 is still in production after 40-odd years.
I don’t know if that helps, but despite the fact I may never be able to reasonably justify the purchase the level of gear you review, im subscribing because I do love the transparency you are providing. I appreciate the grounded approach you seem to have in every way. Yes folks should be able to make money to cover the absorbing costs of all this and the time you dedicate to it! Even those being paid flat out large dollars for reviews, are Cheetos my entitled, we just need to know how big that grain of salt is we should be taking with the review. It doesn’t make it any less valuable.
@@GreekAudioGeekwell now I’m going down a rabbit hole in your videos 😂 Now I want to go see if I can find a place to listen to an Aries Cerat! I want to hear hauntingly beautiful the rest of my life ❤❤
@@GreekAudioGeek I’m located in Minnesota, so opposite ends of the country unfortunately. No way I can drop $30k on one, plus all the ancillary equipment and cabling to go with it make sure it performs at its peak… so hoping to find a place local I can hear one 😍
I am a proud audiophile. I read audio mags like Stereophile and TAS to get information about products I may never get to audition. That said, I sometimes chuckle at the outrageous prices and the correlation to an “excellent review” lol. I have outstanding gear, all of which I auditioned. In more than a few cases, I wouldn’t consider a piece of gear unless the company offered a “buy back/return”. In addition, I put great energy and $$ into my room. That was the difference. I am not a bit angry at Stereophile and TAS for what they do. I will continue to subscribe to those mags but really enjoy your perspective .
@@nordthernlights6559please expand on just how they sound different or improved. I have never done an A/B comparison with cables because I don't expect to hear one.
You mean like Jays audio lab, buying at a HUGE discount then promoting the hell out of it and reselling for an insane profit. There's a difference in being a for profit business and just taking advantage of people.
He is pretty transparent about the fact that he does this. I could care less. I see him more as a hype guy. If I could buy the gear he has at the same prices I would jump on those opportunities. Yes he also charges to do videos at shops or do features. This is also not unique to hifi most reviewers get to keep the product after they review it or are compensated in some form.
@@klewja If your ok with such an unfair under the table advantage from manufactures or dealers he's in bed with then keep lining his pockets. it's all good.
I use only 1990's stuff. After 2005 or so everything started going into the direction of garbage. We have arrived there by now. I just discovered this Rega Mira Clamshell from 1997. What a wonderful sounding amplifier!💕💞. Just wanna be home and listen to music all the time because of this marvel. That's how it's supposed to be, right?😉✌️
I still buy new-old Sony earphones for a daily because their price to performance back then (mid 2000's, still in their glory days) was near unmatchable, and now that the prices are more than 50% less than what they were it's a no-brainer. Of course they're not the best you'll ever get but they do reveal detail difference quite easily in different bitrate audio, even with a cheap but good Fiio KA1 DAC. For reference, I'm using Sony MDRXB 75AP that I got new for less than $30. Sony don't have a full range of consumer earphones now and there's little else with a driver over 10mm at an affordable price (the 75AP is 13.6mm). I listen to Psytrance a bit so the driver size increase makes an appreciable difference.
Robinson, cheapaudioman, audiophiliac, Darko, steve huff, joshua valor, and every othef 'reviewers' that quit a real job to become a full time UA-camr should be avoided.
Pretty much. Some of the print reviewers receive the 'payments' directly to them in the form of demanding the keep the gear for free to promote a positive review, plus being taken out to a very particular expensive restaurant plus always ordering the same $300 bottle of wine at those dinners. The UA-camrs are different as they accept both $$ and demand free fear as a precursor to even agreeing to do a review. Other online outlets give the impression of having done a review or simply posting info but in fact charge the manufacturers $$ to even talk about their gear and lets the mfg write or guide much of what is said. Like I've said repeatedly - EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE PAID FOR THEIR TIME AND EFFORT. However they need to simply be open and transparent to the viewers/readers about the process. If they have nothing to hide, why won't they do that? Again, there are no secrets in the high end audio world and everyone talks.
Same goes for all so said "rewiers" you can find on UA-cam, look at that guy Steve huff, in one week thé guy is going to pretend listenting thé BEST amp ever hahahah
He's been kicked off just about every forum for his nonsense and faulty measurements. He literally brags about how he won't listen to something if he doesn't like the way it measures. It's moronic. No one with working ears or the ability to think for themselves follow Amir. Learn to think for yourself and don't be a feeble-sheeple. I hope you use more critical thinking skills when it comes to voting.
@@MechAdv You need to work on your reading comprehension - I never said he doesn't listen to something if it doesn't measure perfectly. Oh, and he did what I said on the Neve headphone amp.
My system since 2008/2009 is a Cayin A50T Integrated Amp, Yamaha CD-S2000 SACD player, and Triangle Comete ES Speakers. It cost me $2700 brand new for the lot in 2008/2009. I thought about upgrading but after a few trips to Hi-Fi stores recently realised the industry is just a flex fest of status seeking individuals with absolutely no idea or true love of music. So, I guess I'm probably going to be playing my system for a few more years yet.
I think Philip McKnight does that. He does this for guitars and he has a standard set of criteria he uses which is objective and he's simply applies it to any guitar that they pay him to.
The marketing and PR hype has always been a part of the Hi-Fi business since day one. That's why reputable dealers and manufacturers have a generous return policy if the product doesn't work in your system, or more importantly---your room acoustics. And yes, YT is unfortunately notorious for reviewers in it for the freebies.
I rebuilt a pair of 22 year old, budget Radio Shack speakers, with all new drivers, Crossovers, Wiring and bracing. Are they Audiophile grade? Heck I don't know, but they sound quite respectable now, with a Marantz feeding them. All for less than $500.00.
of course they are getting compensation in some way.. Nobody works for free.. the problem will forever be the integrity of the reviewer.. i know one here on youtube that directly in emails say he will only give a good review if the company buy's ad spots on his webpage.. :)
Yup - then they get offended when anyone calls out the integrity of reviewers pretending they are somehow saints. I thought some of the older print media reviewers where bad, but some of these online/UA-cam ones are vicious in how they operate.
@@GreekAudioGeek indeed. After I read the emails from this reviewer(and he has a decent size channel with 100k+ following) i was truly baffled. I got the correspondence from the owner of the company that was wondering if they wanted to review his amps. "I will only give you a fair and good review in a decent timeframe if you pay for ads.. if not I can not guarantee either. You risk not seeing your amp for 1-2years"... Baffled
@@BeyondResolution Insane. The one that gets me is the one who attacks brands and claims expensive gear is a scam and states to be "looking out for his viewers" while he turns around and sells equally expensive stuff as a dealer.
@GreekAudioGeek hehe, yeah the two faced kind is fun... love the ones that knocks on cables as bullshit and snakeoil.. and in the next video they are putting together a system and using expensive cables instead of the generic 🤣
I also blame any consumer that buys something simply because someone says so. We ALL hear differently - we all all need to listen to gear before we buy something. Buying something barbecue a reviewer - or someone on a forum said it's great is lazy and foolish. It's not the businesses fault for trying to sell their product. No one is forced to buy anything.
Thanks a lot, to give us a sight into the costs of making the content,your goals why you are making it. Yes, do agree, you must be honest, if you get gear from the industry, or use own sources for the gear to review
Didn't see this video until today .. I posted something similar about being transparent and how to evaluate the people telling us the details. Transparency is needed.
To me the problem is people (viewers) are taking these reviews as gospel on what gear to buy! Reviews are peoples opinions and tailored to their tastes not yours or mine. Reviews are or should be an insight to learning more about the gear that is available. We as listeners need to use our own ears and likes to choose the gear that is right for us. I was caught up in buying and finding the best. Then realized it is a bottomless pit and is all to ones tastes not actually better or worse. Now there is bad gear lol. Measurements are another downward spiral people get caught up in/with. Some things measure not so good yet sound wonderful to me. Good video and nice to see honesty. I will stop my rant now lol. I have many Kenwood recievers, Crown M600 monoblocks labled Picker international, Crown XLI 3500, Crown XLS 2502, PS Audio, RME, Sublime Acoustic, Sansui, Denon and Sound Performance Labs (SPL) gear. All are different and all have a place where I like them. It is just what I have and like and am not for or against other brands. Once again reviewers should be a way to see other gear we are not familiar with. Then we have to listen ourselves and decide.
Wait, you mean youre telling me that Michael Fremer isn't really buying $150,000.00 turntables on his salary from a niche audiophile magazine!?!? Im SHOCKED, SHOCKED I SAY!!
Not to necessarily dispute your point, but Fremer did make a point of saying that he bought his high priced turntable with profits from his DVD sales, but no doubt these people get massive discounts when buying gear for themselves.
@@homerjones3291 There is SOOOOO much more behind the scenes with reviewers than the public know about. Some of them literally demand free product and or advertising dollars and they will guarantee a good review. The new guard of reviewers has learned a lot from the old guard....
All the Reviewers I watch talk about whether the equipment is free to them or they bought it, and most of them aren't the Big Dogs , use common sense when picking the Reviews to BELIEVE!!
I used to be in the publishing business - before and during the internet takeover. In my businesses there was a strict church/state division. The business side stayed separate from the content side. I know that the editorial staff did not like to write reviews that were overly critical, but not because they were getting free stuff or gifts. I can’t say there wasn’t subtle influence but the editorial staff also took a lot of pride in being objective. With the internet everyone can be a publisher. You no longer have to have the infrastructure to publish a magazine. This has led to disintermediation where the intermediaries served as a buffer. Consequently the restraints in the form of ethical standards and Chinese walls have been removed. In the past reviews from professional publishers were a little more reliable but reviews are always flawed. There are always biases in reviews. Reviewers are human. And each reviewer brings different knowledge and experience. Reviews can be helpful in getting an idea of competing products and features. But they are always flawed. Transparency is helpful but it still doesn’t obviate your personal biases, misconceptions or lack of knowledge.
Well said and I agree. Bias is OK - it's human. With transparency simply comes having the effect of minimizing perceived paid bias. At the end of the day even posters on forums all have biases - so people need to simply take in lots of data points from all sources and make a decision for themselves. Too many want to be told what to buy and are lazy.
I agree, majority of HiFi UA-cam reviewers are just plain liars, they are just monetizing their channels. That’s all they’re interested in. The art is who is the best at conning people. disgusting.
There is nothing wrong with making $$$ our of this endeavor but full transparency for the sake of understanding one's motivations is the right way to go.
A lot of reviews you have to read between the lines with a product. Most of the good big reviewers will state if they bought it or it was sent to them. Take ALL reviewers with a grain of salt. It’s always best to listen in person.
Some of the "famous" reviewers from the most famous US hifi mags would go up to brands at shows and literally say "this is how it works - you give me the gear for free so I can sell it, and I will promise a positive review". The stories brands and distributors have shared frankly would be enough to make me never want to start a hifi company having to deal sith corrupt people like that who the viewers/readers think are "good".
Just keep in mind measurements are not consistent. Depending on how they are taken, what gear is used and other such things, it is a snapshot of that gear at that moment in that set up - it is NOT an absolute that carries over to all scenarios.
I wouldn’t trust him. When you see all youtubers praising the same gear at the same time, there is a plan orchestrated. Jay, Cheapman Audio, Erin, Z reviews. All are in the same club.
@@hotelpv I agree when you see a coordinated push on the same gear you need to be very suspect. I knew who was a joke when they started claiming $699 DAC's were as good as $10K units.
Your absolutely right on. This topic reminds me of the 80's stereo salesman. This was one very egotiscal obnoxious character who was ready to argue and be in your face. He always bragged about how he knew more tyan anyone else in the audio industry. He boasted about spending forty thousand dollars on the best sounding system ever. His choice of components were always number one and you better be ready for a fist fight if you wouldn't agree. Then in the 90"s he completely changed his attitude and willingly decided to tell anyone that would listen, on how he sold off his stereo, for a completely different stereo system. He gently would explain on how wrong he was with his original way if thinking. Now he would boast about only spending forteen thousand dollars for a far more superior sounding system. True audiophiles can change their mentality and mellow as they age.
Hello Greek guy. I am also a Greek guy and I saw all the reviews before buying the Hifi Rose RS130. Every review said that it's a great streamer with no or little bugs. Nobody said about the software. The software is a mess. Bugs and bad behavior of the streamer to the basics. Nobody. And I came to the same conclusion. Paided reviews. There is no other explenation.
Hello! I'm sorry to hear that. I had the first streamer they had and it was very good for what it was but I also experienced some bugs. The good news is Rose seems to work continually on improving and seem committed to that (from what I have seen personally), so hopefully it gets sorted quickly.
I have the RS130 and it sounds incredible. The phone app is def lacking, but they’re looking to improve it with AI and a lot of new functions. I think the surrounding gear is just as critical to enjoying it.
New to the channel so enjoyed the video, But man when it comes to the video gear info earlier.. Being an audio guy as well as an IT guy for a living who has dabbled in video. You can get this quality of video ( your videos look fine ) from an iPhone 14/15/16 pro, a tripod, use Davinici resolve or an Adobe license and some lighting & MIC from Amazon and produce almost flawless content for dirt cheap.. Keep up the good work but man that gear is awesome if your a gear head but 100% not needed, Have you seen the videos these days that are "Shot on iPhone" or equiv.. Keep up the great content, My comments were not a stab in anyway.
Thanks for watching! I totally agree with you none of the video gear is needed, but it makes it fun for me to use it while making the videos. I honestly wouldn't make the videos if I simply used a point and shoot or iPhone. :)
It's really obvious when you think about it.The hi-fi manufacturers are paying many dollars go promote their stuff.The least they expect is a review.Preferably favourable and then they can buy some more advertising.
Thanks so much! I hope you'll subscribe. You can get them through here - call them and tell them you saw my video and they will really help out! axissaudio.com/brands/nihon-onkyo-engineering/
I like the approach. In the world of marketing, todays viewers/consumers of UA-cam channels/reviews are the actual rope in the tug of war between egotistical class envy sales style and the militant measuring nazi's. I'm punching way above my pay grade for the system I have. Because of that I am considered an Audiofool from the chifi crowd and trailer trash by the ultra high end Gucci crowd. I just love listing to great sound. If that has to be in someone else's house so be it.
I've discovered if the fools on FB and forums have a problem with what you are doing, that usually means you are doing something right. Most of those idiots are sheeple who still haven't left their mothers basement and only own a pair of apple earpods yet they attack everyone else.
A lot of review sites may not push audiophile level bologna, but they certainly do not want "bad mouth" ANY products either. Losing advertisers kills magazines. It's always been a bad situation. Some things are also very subjective and a room can make or break many products, especially speakers. You used to be able to try before you buy at some retailers, but the internet has killed a lot of hi-fi shops. There's virtually nothing local to me anymore.
I like that Accuphase on the shelf. I have the E280 at the moment and waiting on the E4000 to come late next month, even though I'm perfectly happy with the E280.
I need some advice. I have an old Marantz 2220 B that still works and sounds really good. I just bought a pair of Elac D3. I’m considering buying a used Cambridge AXR85 because it has more power and it’s newer and has bluetooth connectivity. Would you recommend I stick to the Marantz? And buy a bluetooth receiver? Or get the Cambridge AXR85? It fits my budget. Thanks for any advice.
It's always best to see if you can try something new first. Since you love the sound of the Marantz, and the Cambridge will sound VERY different, I would suggest you keep the Marantz and add a BT receiver.
I reviewed hi-fi for the UK press for many years. I was actually surprised how little I got offered by manufacturers. I got a couple of very modest meals out of it - the local Chinese restaurant round the corner, that kind of thing - and one manufacturer did phone me and suggest I might like to contribute some design suggestions. I replied that my brains were free for the picking and funnily enough never heard from them. But that was it.
I'm talking about the current crop of reviewers and publication who are popular. Plus I know the details on exactly what some of the current print reviewers demand and they are doing very, very, very well for themselves.
Isn’t it amazing how we see huge reductions on tvs, headphones, hifi and yet they are still making money with the discount. So is there a cartel in the hifi industry?
That makes no sense whatsoever. I have found most people who comment on how profit and loss works have no real world experience on knowledge about what they heck they are talking about. They are simply "parrots" who repeat talking points from others who have no idea what they are talking about.
I find your terms... acceptable. Seriously, you have to be able to mitigate cost. I'm fine with people receiving whatever in terms of compensation as long as they are transparent about it in the video. You obviously have significant cost for equipment (I'm looking at that Accuphase behind and thinking, "there goes $20k"), licensing fees, etc. There is no reason to pass on some reasonable opportunity to mitigate those expenses. Additionally, all reviews must be weighed carefully. Am I really going to hear much difference between an Accuphase P-7500, McIntosh MC462, Gryphon Anileon, Simaudio Moon 861, etc.? Probably not, and what preference I may have is going to be impacted by my speakers (the Accuphase is going to sound different on Focals vs. Sonus Faber vs. Bowers & Wilkins), room acoustics, etc. And as long as people still argues about if triode tube amps sound better than class AB BJT transistors, sound quality is more than subjective.
Interesting. I have an Auralic , and as far as a streamer goes it’s pretty clean , not as good as a CD or a decent record but not thin . Are your speakers out of phase . No offence. lol. I guess we all get suckered in . Me included .
Hi @ Vassmarc: It's fair to say we all hear differently. Just because one person hears something different than someone else, doesn't make it a lie or a conspiracy (I know you are not saying it does). People need to stop blaming others for their poor purchase decisions. To your point his system may just not be very good to begin with.
I have a 8channel preamp dsp with xlr out this is the expensive bit. from there I have cheap crown pro amps and homemade speakers and subs.. It took years but I only spend £5000 total.. I have never heard anything like it ANYWHERE!..
Hey Dr - respectfully youdon't know about how he acquires gear (sometimes for free), resells it and makes money off manufacturers? Also, do you think he just "happens" to walk into certain rooms at shows out of mere curiosity? How do you think he makes money as this is his full time job now?
I'm not going to speak ill of him and I wish him continued success. He certainly puts a lot of time and effort into his channel. He simply chooses to make money in ways I would not do myself. In NO WAY am I suggesting anything is illegal.
But rewievs are subjective and its up to you as reader (in old times) to figure out if the article are biased/bought/influensed etc - What is with the honest thing ?? They have a goal and audince and its up to you to figure out if your fit there -and what rewievers dont ralise the listen room plays a major part in listening - even weather like mosture plays in for the listening session - If the rewivers never realised this and just do whatever wtih every device they test - then they are just unedjucated and bad
Totally agree with you - it is ALWAYS up to the person to figure out. HOWEVER there are reviewers that will literally say to companies and distributors "you will pay me xxx and give me free equipment, and I promise a positive review". I was talking with another distributor last night and he was giving me real life examples of this. THAT is what I am referencing.
The majority of "audiophile" demos are not music; instead stupid sounds of solo drums, or wispy strings, or solo vocals. I'm immediately turned off. Rarely do you find multiple instruments playing a rhythm and melody and noticing the separation and clarity of each instrument all in a pleasing way. I've been obsessed with MUSIC first, played through great gear, since the late 60's. I find most "audiophiles to be equipment eggheads, but they couldn't tell you the personnel who played and recorded which album throughout the decades. Thanks!
What you mean the reviews that feel like infomercials, or when the reviewer starts designing audio equipment all of a sudden for companies they gave great reviews for? So far I like Hans vids.
@@GreekAudioGeek "Hearded" !?!😂😂😂😂 So, smart from you! You can't even copy/paste! English isn't my native language and I made a mistake with "heared" not "hearded", smartass! What's your excuse? And please don't start your answer with "I". OK?
He appropriately used "I" this and "I" that since he wants to be clear that he is expressing his personal point of view in the video. I don't know what your first language is or how narrative perspectives work in it, but in English, first person point of view is a narrative style using pronouns like "I," "me," "we," and "us" to convey the narrator's personal perspective on the subject. The first person narrative style makes it clear that the narrator's opinions, mood, and experiences can color their impressions and descriptions of the subject.
@@luminiferous1960 I was expecting to hear more about " SECRETS Behind Audiophile Reviews - HiFi Dishonesty", and less about "I," "me," "we,"... Same level of dishonesty to get attention to own video.
@@crodoc69 You seem to have trouble distinguishing narrative perspective from narrative content. In the video, he did discuss dishonesty in some HiFi reviews that he has observed from his own personal perspective, and how he personally avoids that by being transparent about his operations, while narrating in the first person singular using "I" to indicate that what he is saying is from his own subjective personal perspective.
Thanks for sharing this insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the audiophile review industry. It’s refreshing to hear someone address the transparency issues so openly. I appreciate your commitment to honesty and the way you distinguish your channel from others by explaining your approach and expenses.
That said, I think you spent a lot of time discussing the inner workings of your own channel. While I understand the value in explaining your transparency and philosophy, it feels like it took up a significant part of the video. Since the title suggests a broader look at “SECRETS Behind Audiophile Reviews” and “HiFi Dishonesty,” I was expecting more examples or specific insights into industry practices overall. For example, delving more into the specifics of how certain industry players or platforms operate, or perhaps sharing detailed cases of how some review processes might be influenced, could have provided a broader perspective.
Don’t get me wrong-I value the transparency you’re bringing to your content. It would just be great to see future videos that dive deeper into the industry as a whole, with more examples or comparisons, since that would really help viewers grasp the broader landscape of audiophile review practices.
Thanks for your comment. I do appreciate it.
OK here goes:
Some of the "big" hifi reviewers get sent free gear from mfg's to promote. They then usually turn around and sell that gear immediately for profit.
They also don't just "happen" to cover rooms or gear you seen them cover in shows. Where as I cover gear and brands I actually LIKE, they will only cover brands who pay. One of them won't even walk into the room for less than $1,500, and another one won't send any of their people into a room unless you pay a minimum of $600.
So in order for these guys to talk about the gear you think is random, they are demanding payment from the brands to cover them. In many instances if you don't pay, they won't talk about you....ever.
I have specifics of who charges what as it's an open secret and they openly talk about their charges to companies at the shows, but they seem to forget to mention that it's paid coverage in their videos.
And there are others still who if your DON'T pay them their price, will say on their videos that the room sounded poor.
Yes I have specifics about people who do this and have verified this through numerous different people who have their own similar stores with the same people. No I won't publicly say names.
They will implode at some point on their own. I'm not worried about them. I'm too focused on doing my own thing.
I gave a negative review on an amp a viewer sent me and data to back up my review. I was contacted by the manufacturer asking me to take it down. When I said no, they openly offered to GIVE me several of their multi thousand dollar amps to take it down. When I said no and explained what was wrong with their product, they asked if they fixed the product, would I re-review it. I said "Sure", they fixed the main problems, I gave it a nice review. Then they threatened legal action for pointing out they fixed the problems the earlier version had and openly denied that they made any production changes, when I have a video SHOWING the changes they made. Bizarre! Oh and this Amp was awarded "Amp of the year" by multiple other influencers.
That's crazy but not surprising from what I've seen.
Keep up the good work and stand by your good ethics!
I read an article where a reviewer was sued.
I don't remember the details.
Check out vor DCS review.
What amplifier was it?
@@Zenos174yeah it's a secret. Wtf
America is ONE BIG COMMERCIAL, in a nut shell. Great video.
The cheap audio man should listen to this.✅💵
I trust the cheapaudioman as far as I can throw him.
He belongs in the audio reviewer's hall of shame.
@CompetentSalesUSA that man's channel is trash. I feel dumb admitting that I had followed his channel for a while
thanks for your honesty... you confirm what i've been thinking for a while: most audio reviewers are just sophisticated salesmen... some are better than others, but in the end, it comes down to what you're saying... and i agree with you about sixmoons... which is also the only magazine i read regularly...
I stopped reading Stereophile and Home Theater Review over a decade ago because it was obvious they were FOS. Most of the mega-buck gear that F***er and R***y recommended I ended up sending back because it just didn't sound good in my system. Yes, it floated on a fluid bed and was drenched in a fluid bath filled by monks in the Himalayan mountains over 100 years ago...but it didn't sound good! I have no doubt the anointed reviewers are VERY well compensated both on top of and under the table for their reviews. Try it in your system and see if you like it. I only do business with companies that allow a trial period on products. If they don't, I won't do business with them because without hearing it in your system, it's a very, very expensive crap shot.
I totally agree with you that trying in your system is the MOST important thing. That's why I say in all my other videos to NOT take my advice, and go listen for yourself. Thanks for watching.
Stereophile is the men’s equivalent of a fashion magazine read by women advertising $15,000 handbags.
@@sciagurrato1831 I can't believe it still in publication. I haven't opened a Stereophile in over 10 years.
@@GreekAudioGeek like the glossy supplements to the Sunday NYT, WSJ, and FT - it’s paid for by advertiser. The fact that there is an occasional informative piece (or a “test disc”) doesn’t change its essence as a commercial endeavor.
@@sciagurrato1831 Its openly talked about the prices of some of their former staff.
You are spot on when it comes to full time politicians. A drain on taxpayers. A waste of money and time. They spend most of their time making money for themselves instead of passing legislation. Part time like Texas is the way to go. Hi-fi is the least of our worries. Thanks for your video. Rock on!
Thanks Bobby. I enjoy hifi as it helps me escape from the problems in the real world sometimes.
What a wonderful Accuphase amplifier! I live just a 5-minute walk from Accuphase's headquarters. My own Accuphase is a model from over 30 years ago, though.
Thank you Sir, I'm sick and tired of the bull, the fact they don't highlight issues with products really ****** me off, the fact they don't follow up what they recommend is wrong .. Every item reviewed seems better than the last, then we have favourite companies so it's better ..
Not all reviewers do this but most do .
Appreciate you. I'm well aware of the time involved in running a channel 😏 I just found your channel and and its refreshing to see an un objective HIFI channel. 👍 I have a Timbernation stand as well! I just took your advice and ordered some of the Stack Audio Isolators. Keep up the good work! Subscribed!
Thank you!
I like my Timber Nation shelf but have found I need a different design/set up so I've outgrown it. I need to figure out what I'm going to do at some point.
Stack Audio is fantastic stuff and the in home trial makes sure you like what you buy.
It's all about integrity or the lack of it!
In certain cases I thought it was illegal for people to do reviews and not disclose that they are being paid or being given free product?
A friend of mine, once told me the story of a distributor who was bringing into the country a German power amplifier.
They approached What hi-fi for a review and was told that dependant on the how much advertising they were prepared to pay for in the magazine would greatly affect how favourable the review would be.
I never bought the magazine again after that!
Every magazine does this but Twhat Hifi is probably the worse.
Great video! Being honest is a luxury in hi-fi reviews.
I appreciate that!
You are freaking awesome dude! First time viewer and now lifetime subsriber. Glad I happenestanced ur channel!!🙂
Awesome! Thank you!
I upgraded for years. Cyrus,NAD, NAD, Onkyo, ARCAM,REGA....NAD again..... etc and finally settled for Yamaha. I never believed any reviews and only when I had a local reseller in order to check it out in the shop. Here's the problem and cannot be ignorded: SHOPS ARE CLOSING!!!!!!!!! We have lost three HiFi dealers in my city. It's really sad. Anyway, Yamaha Integrated with streaming and works very well. A pro-Ject turntable, second hand transmission line JM Reynaud (wiked french brand) Cantibile loudspeakers. Sound is scrumptous! I use Qobuz and it sucks. It's falling out quite often. I want to upgrade my tuntable......look forward to the next review...
We need to support our local dealers.
I always view reviewers and salesmen the same way. It always surprises me when other people don't
Agreed. They should just be one more data point people take in and then use their own brains to make the decision that is best for them. No one is a "victim" of sales people or reviewers like some seem to position themselves. No one is ever forced to buy anything. Thanks for commenting!
The high end audio companies need reviewers to hype their gear as”the best ever” or made such an improvement that they now can’t live without it; otherwise they would go out of business. They need to convince the audiophiles with more money than common sense to first overspend for components because they’re so wonderful and then convince them that they need this or that accessory (power regenerator/conditioners, turntable speed control, DDC, power/speaker cables, isolation pucks, cable risers) to actually make their system sound good, because obviously the high priced goods they bought weren’t actually built well enough to eliminate the most basic (and common) issues.
You say " more money than common sense". Why do people always play the jealous class-warfare angle? There are an awful lot of poor people who are stupid to. But someone buys something you don't agree with and you are smarter than they are? smh
I know I have sent back more gear than I have kept. What sounds good to one person is not always going to sound good in my setting. My buddy has done the same, we each bounce gear off of each other, which is a big help. Our systems are darn near identical at this point, and now fine tuning until the next great must have comes along. ;-)
Listening and personal preference is key!
I admire your honesty and wishing you luck as you move forward.
Thank you very much Rick. I do appreciate it.
Thank you for you honest views. Most of us who do our home work before making our purchasing decisions, and through many years of experiences, we are aware of the dishonesty and snake oil.
Kind regards again
From the UK
My whole life I've listening to HiFi audio equipment. I read all the magazines and went to the audio shows. Why is it that with each new piece of equipment, music reproduction inches closer and closer to "real sound" but... it never arrives?
Hi David - certainly some new gear is better than others. But I've also found over the years that much of the new gear - to my ear - only sounds more analytical and less like real music. As always never take the work of any video, reviewer or posting of a forum and listen for yourself.
You have fallen victim to an illusion. High End can give you, let's say 70%, just to have a number, of the real thing. You never march on straight to the 80% level, you are only moving left and right along the border Line, perceiving a little more of this and then a little more of that, you are fooled by different angles of perception.
Authenticity is a rare commodity these days and a mark of distinction in the audioflies swarm. Stay true and keep on keeping on. Subscription +1
Thanks for your honesty! I've never watched your channel before, but have just subscribed.
Me too.
You got a new subscriber, I love your honesty and what you stand for. What you said is what I feel about many of these so-called "audiophiles" who pretend to be just normal and non-bias
Thank you so much, Benny!
Michael you are very much appreciated. I’m sure many like me migrated to this channel from others tired of their bs and glorified infomercials.
Hard to hear half a critique ever . They are all so worried about repercussions that they rather omit less than positive comments.
I would suggest to create a Patreon page to support your work.
I'm old enough to remember when there was no such thing as the internet, let alone UA-cam. I had to visit stores to test out stereo equipment for myself.
Guess what? The dishonesty back then was probably even more rampant than it is now.
Sales people and even entire stores would collude to mislead and rip off the general public by doing things like setting up in-store listening environments in order to tell you that you're listening to one brand/model when you're actually listening to something else. That was widespread and many people were taken advantage of.
They would sell people inferior equipment after letting them "test drive" premium equipment. And they would charge the customer premium prices. It was the wild west back then.
When you're talking about commission-based transactions totalling thousands of dollars, no matter what the industry is, there's simply no way to know who to trust.
I find it difficult to even listen to products I’m considering. I walk in and say I want to hear two amplifiers that I’m considering and the salesman says they want to know my needs and budget and perhaps it would be better to build an entire system rather than just picking something I like. Thirty minutes later I get to listen to a totally different product and have to schedule follow up appointments to listen to something similar but still not the exact product. Today I just wanted to hear two amplifiers that the particular store carries and took my wife along in case a I loved what I heard and never did get to listen. And of course I’ll need a much better streamer and speaker cables and on and on. After all the rigamarole, I feel like I wasted an afternoon and tempted to just buy online. Has happened multiple times at different high end stores. Can’t any just let me hear what I want to hear without explaining my life story, room dimensions, budget (which is flexible to some extent depending on how good it sounds) and without scheduling follow-up appointments? And you right, I have no idea if they are putting their fingers on the scale in someway to favor a product they want to sale.
Monster Cables! But, they were the only game in town for a higher end cable that was readily available to the general public. I do miss their power supplies, I still use one in one of my systems.
@william - That's unfortunate. What brands are you looking at? I may be able to recommend a dealer for them I've had a good buying experience with.
@@williamhicks2763 Myself and my friend audition quite a bit of gear in our homes. We use our credit cards or outfits like Affirm or Klarna to finance purchases we may be iffy on. We want to audition but have questions, just as you do. I would say we send more gear back then we keep. In many cases the only out of pocket expense to audition for 30 to 90 days is the cost to ship the items back, including amplifiers, preamps, speakers, etc... Just because it sounds good in the shop, does not mean it will sound good in your room. Just be gentle with the packaging, do not open the accessories if you can help it. Have your own cables and power cords and use those, it makes returns much easier. We hate to do it, but if it does not sound as promised, or expected, it goes back.
@@GreekAudioGeek Thanks. Yesterday I wanted to hear the McIntosh MA12000 and the MAC7200 because I’d like to know if the price difference is worth it to me and I’ve never heard a tube pre-amp stage. So, I really just wanted to hear that difference and the power difference and see if I felt like it might be worth it. At the very end I was informed that they didn’t have an MA12000 but I could come back next week to hear the separates version and that would be similar to the MA12000. The main thing I can’t do without is a HT bypass but other than that I’m open. I really wanted to hear Audio Research as well and compare similar priced products in their lineup. So, this store was the only one that I could find that carried both brands. I do have another option to perhaps compare the McIntosh products so I’m going to call them tomorrow to see if it would be possible to compare those two units and possibly the separates side by side. As far as the Acoustic Research, I think that was the only dealer within 200 miles. We ended up listening to a Luxman 507z which was nice I’m sure but with speakers I was unfamiliar with and a very expensive streamer I had a hard time judging how it might stack up. I definitely didn’t come away feeling like it was my endgame.
I’ve also been interested in Music Fidelity for a long time but haven’t found anyone that carries them. May be worth a road trip. I sort of have a similar interest with Music Fidelity in that I’d love to hear the M6xi or M8xi compared to the Nu-Vista 800.2 to know if the price difference is worth it to me and how they compare to others.
The main fact is simply knowing, and believing YOUR OWN EARS. Not theirs!
And personally, my ears enjoy biamplification with tube mids, and highs and transistor bass, and Sub-bass, along with hybrid pre amplification, be it fourth, third, or second tier from flag.🌹
Exactly. It only matters what your own ears tell you.
I started paying closer attention to the logistics of it, something like 30 years ago. As a luxury market, they’ll spend the bucks it takes to get that wow-factor performance they know folks will pay for, but with 79, to 91% mark-up, they maintain limited runs to keep the really well made, choicest pieces for the clique! (I’m referring to the ultra-rich niche design houses) Heck! I would love a JeffRowland Design Daemon Integrated Amp sitting proudly in my listening room! I’ll keep naming names: Solution, Goldmund, Boulder, Vitus, Plinius, Bri’Labo, Tidal, Verity, Wilson Benesch, TAD!
Imagine the costs of all THAT engineering and tooling!
That’s the thing right, putting trust into people and hoping they are giving honest reviews and opinions and not reading from a corporate script and selling out himself and their audience for a dollar.
Yassu Greek Audiogeek!
HiFi is a "mastered technology" since the 80's - 90's! Even non highend gear is able to reproduce more than adequate fidelity
The "problem" is that there is no money in that! That explains it all! OPA!!!
Καλημέρα! Thank you for sharing your comment!
$3k on a headphone setup will get you the best sound you're gonna get; no need for a HE-1.
Go even cheaper if you want; there's a reason the Sony MDR 7506 is still in production after 40-odd years.
I don’t know if that helps, but despite the fact I may never be able to reasonably justify the purchase the level of gear you review, im subscribing because I do love the transparency you are providing. I appreciate the grounded approach you seem to have in every way. Yes folks should be able to make money to cover the absorbing costs of all this and the time you dedicate to it! Even those being paid flat out large dollars for reviews, are Cheetos my entitled, we just need to know how big that grain of salt is we should be taking with the review. It doesn’t make it any less valuable.
Thank you so much Thomas. I really do appreciate it.
@@GreekAudioGeekwell now I’m going down a rabbit hole in your videos 😂 Now I want to go see if I can find a place to listen to an Aries Cerat! I want to hear hauntingly beautiful the rest of my life ❤❤
I dealt with the dealer in Texas - Believe High Fidelity. What state are you in? He services the entire USA and so far has been awesome to deal with.
@@GreekAudioGeek I’m located in Minnesota, so opposite ends of the country unfortunately. No way I can drop $30k on one, plus all the ancillary equipment and cabling to go with it make sure it performs at its peak… so hoping to find a place local I can hear one 😍
I am a proud audiophile. I read audio mags like Stereophile and TAS to get information about products I may never get to audition. That said, I sometimes chuckle at the outrageous prices and the correlation to an “excellent review” lol. I have outstanding gear, all of which I auditioned. In more than a few cases, I wouldn’t consider a piece of gear unless the company offered a “buy back/return”. In addition, I put great energy and $$ into my room. That was the difference. I am not a bit angry at Stereophile and TAS for what they do. I will continue to subscribe to those mags but really enjoy your perspective .
Well said Greg and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree 100% with you.
These speakers DESTROY one’s costing 10x as much! Sure.
Especially with cables and what they say they can sound like
Cables (especially loudspeaker cables) sound different. Digital or ethernet cables ,not really.
@@nordthernlights6559please expand on just how they sound different or improved. I have never done an A/B comparison with cables because I don't expect to hear one.
@@rotaxtwinho😊
You mean like Jays audio lab, buying at a HUGE discount then promoting the hell out of it and reselling for an insane profit. There's a difference in being a for profit business and just taking advantage of people.
OCD Mike is doing the same thing, even offering good brands because they don’t move enough or there margins are lower
jay doesn’t hide he is honest about what he does. he buys everything at least 50% below retail makes videos and flips it.
He is pretty transparent about the fact that he does this. I could care less. I see him more as a hype guy. If I could buy the gear he has at the same prices I would jump on those opportunities.
Yes he also charges to do videos at shops or do features. This is also not unique to hifi most reviewers get to keep the product after they review it or are compensated in some form.
@@klewja If your ok with such an unfair under the table advantage from manufactures or dealers he's in bed with then keep lining his pockets. it's all good.
I use only 1990's stuff. After 2005 or so everything started going into the direction of garbage. We have arrived there by now. I just discovered this Rega Mira Clamshell from 1997. What a wonderful sounding amplifier!💕💞. Just wanna be home and listen to music all the time because of this marvel. That's how it's supposed to be, right?😉✌️
Exactly! It's all about enjoying the music - regardless of what gear you have.
I still buy new-old Sony earphones for a daily because their price to performance back then (mid 2000's, still in their glory days) was near unmatchable, and now that the prices are more than 50% less than what they were it's a no-brainer. Of course they're not the best you'll ever get but they do reveal detail difference quite easily in different bitrate audio, even with a cheap but good Fiio KA1 DAC.
For reference, I'm using Sony MDRXB 75AP that I got new for less than $30. Sony don't have a full range of consumer earphones now and there's little else with a driver over 10mm at an affordable price (the 75AP is 13.6mm). I listen to Psytrance a bit so the driver size increase makes an appreciable difference.
Andrew Robinson.... cough cough
Literally everything he says sounds like a paid script
Robinson, cheapaudioman, audiophiliac, Darko, steve huff, joshua valor, and every othef 'reviewers' that quit a real job to become a full time UA-camr should be avoided.
i can't stand that guy
the more expensive the ad space they buy ,the better the magazine reviews.
Pretty much.
Some of the print reviewers receive the 'payments' directly to them in the form of demanding the keep the gear for free to promote a positive review, plus being taken out to a very particular expensive restaurant plus always ordering the same $300 bottle of wine at those dinners.
The UA-camrs are different as they accept both $$ and demand free fear as a precursor to even agreeing to do a review.
Other online outlets give the impression of having done a review or simply posting info but in fact charge the manufacturers $$ to even talk about their gear and lets the mfg write or guide much of what is said.
Like I've said repeatedly - EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE PAID FOR THEIR TIME AND EFFORT. However they need to simply be open and transparent to the viewers/readers about the process. If they have nothing to hide, why won't they do that?
Again, there are no secrets in the high end audio world and everyone talks.
Same goes for all so said "rewiers" you can find on UA-cam, look at that guy Steve huff, in one week thé guy is going to pretend listenting thé BEST amp ever hahahah
@@Spicycomment1 LOL. You mean ANOTHER best amp ever?
@@JohnLee-db9zt he's manipulator, youtube keywords huff paranormal... You will Witness by yourself...
You and Amir from audio science review could make some great collab content.dude is no nonsense hard core and brings receipts.
He's been kicked off just about every forum for his nonsense and faulty measurements.
He literally brags about how he won't listen to something if he doesn't like the way it measures. It's moronic.
No one with working ears or the ability to think for themselves follow Amir.
Learn to think for yourself and don't be a feeble-sheeple.
I hope you use more critical thinking skills when it comes to voting.
@@MechAdv
You need to work on your reading comprehension - I never said he doesn't listen to something if it doesn't measure perfectly.
Oh, and he did what I said on the Neve headphone amp.
My system since 2008/2009 is a Cayin A50T Integrated Amp, Yamaha CD-S2000 SACD player, and Triangle Comete ES Speakers. It cost me $2700 brand new for the lot in 2008/2009.
I thought about upgrading but after a few trips to Hi-Fi stores recently realised the industry is just a flex fest of status seeking individuals with absolutely no idea or true love of music.
So, I guess I'm probably going to be playing my system for a few more years yet.
Stick with what you got. Looks like a great sounding setup.
Good points, and like you I've had a nice system for years and my money goes towards music purchases, not status gear.
I’ve got your accuphase back there. What an integrated!
I think Philip McKnight does that. He does this for guitars and he has a standard set of criteria he uses which is objective and he's simply applies it to any guitar that they pay him to.
The marketing and PR hype has always been a part of the Hi-Fi business since day one. That's why reputable dealers and manufacturers have a generous return policy if the product doesn't work in your system, or more importantly---your room acoustics. And yes, YT is unfortunately notorious for reviewers in it for the freebies.
I rebuilt a pair of 22 year old, budget Radio Shack speakers, with all new drivers, Crossovers, Wiring and bracing.
Are they Audiophile grade?
Heck I don't know, but they sound quite respectable now, with a Marantz feeding them.
All for less than $500.00.
If you like the way they sound - or anything sounds - that is all that matters. Price, brand name, etc mean nothing.
@@GreekAudioGeek
Yes Sir
Φίλε μου χαίρομαι που είσαι Έλληνας και έχεις την Ελληνική σημαία πάνω σου. Με έκανες περήφανο. Χαίρομαι που είσαι αληθινός. Φιλιά από την Θεσσαλονίκη
Γεια σου φίλε μου!
Ναι - η οικογένειά μου είναι από την Καλαμάτα.
of course they are getting compensation in some way.. Nobody works for free.. the problem will forever be the integrity of the reviewer.. i know one here on youtube that directly in emails say he will only give a good review if the company buy's ad spots on his webpage.. :)
Yup - then they get offended when anyone calls out the integrity of reviewers pretending they are somehow saints.
I thought some of the older print media reviewers where bad, but some of these online/UA-cam ones are vicious in how they operate.
@@GreekAudioGeek indeed. After I read the emails from this reviewer(and he has a decent size channel with 100k+ following) i was truly baffled. I got the correspondence from the owner of the company that was wondering if they wanted to review his amps.
"I will only give you a fair and good review in a decent timeframe if you pay for ads.. if not I can not guarantee either. You risk not seeing your amp for 1-2years"...
Baffled
@@BeyondResolution Insane. The one that gets me is the one who attacks brands and claims expensive gear is a scam and states to be "looking out for his viewers" while he turns around and sells equally expensive stuff as a dealer.
@GreekAudioGeek hehe, yeah the two faced kind is fun... love the ones that knocks on cables as bullshit and snakeoil.. and in the next video they are putting together a system and using expensive cables instead of the generic 🤣
Καλησπέρα από Ελλάδα (Αθήνα)! Μόλις έκανα εγγραφή στο κανάλι! Πολύ σωστά τα λες! Συμφωνώ με την οπτική σου!
Thank you and hello from Texas!
I believe you. Business is making money.
I also blame any consumer that buys something simply because someone says so. We ALL hear differently - we all all need to listen to gear before we buy something.
Buying something barbecue a reviewer - or someone on a forum said it's great is lazy and foolish.
It's not the businesses fault for trying to sell their product. No one is forced to buy anything.
Thanks a lot, to give us a sight into the costs of making the content,your goals why you are making it. Yes, do agree, you must be honest, if you get gear from the industry, or use own sources for the gear to review
Didn't see this video until today .. I posted something similar about being transparent and how to evaluate the people telling us the details.
Transparency is needed.
To me the problem is people (viewers) are taking these reviews as gospel on what gear to buy! Reviews are peoples opinions and tailored to their tastes not yours or mine.
Reviews are or should be an insight to learning more about the gear that is available.
We as listeners need to use our own ears and likes to choose the gear that is right for us.
I was caught up in buying and finding the best. Then realized it is a bottomless pit and is all to ones tastes not actually better or worse. Now there is bad gear lol.
Measurements are another downward spiral people get caught up in/with. Some things measure not so good yet sound wonderful to me.
Good video and nice to see honesty. I will stop my rant now lol.
I have many Kenwood recievers, Crown M600 monoblocks labled Picker international, Crown XLI 3500, Crown XLS 2502, PS Audio, RME, Sublime Acoustic, Sansui, Denon and Sound Performance Labs (SPL) gear. All are different and all have a place where I like them. It is just what I have and like and am not for or against other brands.
Once again reviewers should be a way to see other gear we are not familiar with. Then we have to listen ourselves and decide.
10000% true and well said. It ONLY matters what you hear and if you like it. Nobody else can do that for you.
Wait, you mean youre telling me that Michael Fremer isn't really buying $150,000.00 turntables on his salary from a niche audiophile magazine!?!? Im SHOCKED, SHOCKED I SAY!!
You'd be surprised how many people have messaged me to tell me what I said is not true. They live in a bubble. LOL
Not to necessarily dispute your point, but Fremer did make a point of saying that he bought his high priced turntable with profits from his DVD sales, but no doubt these people get massive discounts when buying gear for themselves.
@@homerjones3291 There is SOOOOO much more behind the scenes with reviewers than the public know about. Some of them literally demand free product and or advertising dollars and they will guarantee a good review. The new guard of reviewers has learned a lot from the old guard....
Can I share this comment? Amd repost it?@@GreekAudioGeek
All the Reviewers I watch talk about whether the equipment is free to them or they bought it, and most of them aren't the Big Dogs , use common sense when picking the Reviews to BELIEVE!!
And it even goes beyond whom to believe - we ALL hear things differently. You should be trying any gear before you decide to buy it.
I used to be in the publishing business - before and during the internet takeover. In my businesses there was a strict church/state division. The business side stayed separate from the content side. I know that the editorial staff did not like to write reviews that were overly critical, but not because they were getting free stuff or gifts. I can’t say there wasn’t subtle influence but the editorial staff also took a lot of pride in being objective. With the internet everyone can be a publisher. You no longer have to have the infrastructure to publish a magazine. This has led to disintermediation where the intermediaries served as a buffer. Consequently the restraints in the form of ethical standards and Chinese walls have been removed. In the past reviews from professional publishers were a little more reliable but reviews are always flawed.
There are always biases in reviews. Reviewers are human. And each reviewer brings different knowledge and experience. Reviews can be helpful in getting an idea of competing products and features. But they are always flawed. Transparency is helpful but it still doesn’t obviate your personal biases, misconceptions or lack of knowledge.
Well said and I agree. Bias is OK - it's human. With transparency simply comes having the effect of minimizing perceived paid bias.
At the end of the day even posters on forums all have biases - so people need to simply take in lots of data points from all sources and make a decision for themselves. Too many want to be told what to buy and are lazy.
The real question is, is who is the Diddy of the audiophile industry 😅
reviewer reviews and the vendor says "links down below"
I no longer look for reviews after I bought a 3000 euro streamer influenced by a certain review. Since then I visit the showrooms regularly.
Perfect. Going to showrooms is the BEST WAY to find one you like.
I agree, majority of HiFi UA-cam reviewers are just plain liars, they are just monetizing their channels. That’s all they’re interested in. The art is who is the best at conning people. disgusting.
Always be wary of the youtubers who profess to be "looking out for you".
There is nothing wrong with making $$$ our of this endeavor but full transparency for the sake of understanding one's motivations is the right way to go.
Exactly right!
A lot of reviews you have to read between the lines with a product. Most of the good big reviewers will state if they bought it or it was sent to them. Take ALL reviewers with a grain of salt. It’s always best to listen in person.
I appreciate your philosophy, I follow several reviewers but, never hit like or do patreon subscription. You got my first like 👍
Awesome! Thank you!
I gave you a thumbs up.
Thank you Danny!
What hifi in UK used to have a female editor who worked for Sony UK as an editor at same time. No conflict of course
Some of the "famous" reviewers from the most famous US hifi mags would go up to brands at shows and literally say "this is how it works - you give me the gear for free so I can sell it, and I will promise a positive review".
The stories brands and distributors have shared frankly would be enough to make me never want to start a hifi company having to deal sith corrupt people like that who the viewers/readers think are "good".
She has nice boat though.
@@davidjudd951who was the editor?
@@Zenos174
Don't remember.
He appeared to be a younger guy.
I check channels and websites that show measurements. Erin's audio corner is the best
Just keep in mind measurements are not consistent. Depending on how they are taken, what gear is used and other such things, it is a snapshot of that gear at that moment in that set up - it is NOT an absolute that carries over to all scenarios.
I wouldn’t trust him. When you see all youtubers praising the same gear at the same time, there is a plan orchestrated. Jay, Cheapman Audio, Erin, Z reviews. All are in the same club.
@@hotelpv I agree when you see a coordinated push on the same gear you need to be very suspect.
I knew who was a joke when they started claiming $699 DAC's were as good as $10K units.
Your absolutely right on. This topic reminds me of the 80's stereo salesman. This was one very egotiscal obnoxious character who was ready to argue and be in your face. He always bragged about how he knew more tyan anyone else in the audio industry. He boasted about spending forty thousand dollars on the best sounding system ever. His choice of components were always number one and you better be ready for a fist fight if you wouldn't agree. Then in the 90"s he completely changed his attitude and willingly decided to tell anyone that would listen, on how he sold off his stereo, for a completely different stereo system. He gently would explain on how wrong he was with his original way if thinking. Now he would boast about only spending forteen thousand dollars for a far more superior sounding system. True audiophiles can change their mentality and mellow as they age.
Well said. I take the road of what ever system someone loves is the best system for them. Regardless of what I think about it.
Hello Greek guy. I am also a Greek guy and I saw all the reviews before buying the Hifi Rose RS130. Every review said that it's a great streamer with no or little bugs. Nobody said about the software. The software is a mess. Bugs and bad behavior of the streamer to the basics. Nobody. And I came to the same conclusion. Paided reviews. There is no other explenation.
Hello! I'm sorry to hear that. I had the first streamer they had and it was very good for what it was but I also experienced some bugs.
The good news is Rose seems to work continually on improving and seem committed to that (from what I have seen personally), so hopefully it gets sorted quickly.
I have the RS130 and it sounds incredible. The phone app is def lacking, but they’re looking to improve it with AI and a lot of new functions. I think the surrounding gear is just as critical to enjoying it.
@@StanThePigeon Agreed - the surrounding gear is VITAL.
No issues with my RS130, knocking on wood. Wanting to hear their new DAC.
@@sentinalneo There are many people who love their Rose products for sure. They make a heck of a unit at a great price.
New to the channel so enjoyed the video, But man when it comes to the video gear info earlier.. Being an audio guy as well as an IT guy for a living who has dabbled in video. You can get this quality of video ( your videos look fine ) from an iPhone 14/15/16 pro, a tripod, use Davinici resolve or an Adobe license and some lighting & MIC from Amazon and produce almost flawless content for dirt cheap.. Keep up the good work but man that gear is awesome if your a gear head but 100% not needed, Have you seen the videos these days that are "Shot on iPhone" or equiv.. Keep up the great content, My comments were not a stab in anyway.
Thanks for watching!
I totally agree with you none of the video gear is needed, but it makes it fun for me to use it while making the videos. I honestly wouldn't make the videos if I simply used a point and shoot or iPhone. :)
@@GreekAudioGeek totally get it as a gear head myself.
Don't worry about spending tons on video; you'll find that most people are listening in the background anyway.
I do it for my enjoyment of making videos. Otherwise it would be boring for me.
It's really obvious when you think about it.The hi-fi manufacturers are paying many dollars go promote their stuff.The least they expect is a review.Preferably favourable and then they can buy some more advertising.
OCD Mikey is as honest as the day is long and Jay is a billionaire 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Wait...you mean he's not "looking out for you"? LOL
I love where you going with your channel. Btw where can buy those floor diffusers?
Thanks so much! I hope you'll subscribe.
You can get them through here - call them and tell them you saw my video and they will really help out!
axissaudio.com/brands/nihon-onkyo-engineering/
Much appreciated
I like the approach. In the world of marketing, todays viewers/consumers of UA-cam channels/reviews are the actual rope in the tug of war between egotistical class envy sales style and the militant measuring nazi's. I'm punching way above my pay grade for the system I have. Because of that I am considered an Audiofool from the chifi crowd and trailer trash by the ultra high end Gucci crowd.
I just love listing to great sound. If that has to be in someone else's house so be it.
I've discovered if the fools on FB and forums have a problem with what you are doing, that usually means you are doing something right.
Most of those idiots are sheeple who still haven't left their mothers basement and only own a pair of apple earpods yet they attack everyone else.
Greetings from Türkiye sir.+1 subscriber you just got :) respect
Hello from Texas!
A lot of review sites may not push audiophile level bologna, but they certainly do not want "bad mouth" ANY products either. Losing advertisers kills magazines. It's always been a bad situation. Some things are also very subjective and a room can make or break many products, especially speakers. You used to be able to try before you buy at some retailers, but the internet has killed a lot of hi-fi shops. There's virtually nothing local to me anymore.
I like that Accuphase on the shelf. I have the E280 at the moment and waiting on the E4000 to come late next month, even though I'm perfectly happy with the E280.
I need some advice. I have an old Marantz 2220 B that still works and sounds really good. I just bought a pair of Elac D3. I’m considering buying a used Cambridge AXR85 because it has more power and it’s newer and has bluetooth connectivity. Would you recommend I stick to the Marantz? And buy a bluetooth receiver? Or get the Cambridge AXR85? It fits my budget. Thanks for any advice.
It's always best to see if you can try something new first. Since you love the sound of the Marantz, and the Cambridge will sound VERY different, I would suggest you keep the Marantz and add a BT receiver.
@@GreekAudioGeek . Thank you so much. You just saved me some $$$$
I always say; You know 10 years in advanced, which brands are going to be the 5 Star winners with these reviewers.
I reviewed hi-fi for the UK press for many years. I was actually surprised how little I got offered by manufacturers. I got a couple of very modest meals out of it - the local Chinese restaurant round the corner, that kind of thing - and one manufacturer did phone me and suggest I might like to contribute some design suggestions. I replied that my brains were free for the picking and funnily enough never heard from them. But that was it.
I'm talking about the current crop of reviewers and publication who are popular. Plus I know the details on exactly what some of the current print reviewers demand and they are doing very, very, very well for themselves.
I like what you had to say, and I just subbed…..
Isn’t it amazing how we see huge reductions on tvs, headphones, hifi and yet they are still making money with the discount. So is there a cartel in the hifi industry?
That makes no sense whatsoever. I have found most people who comment on how profit and loss works have no real world experience on knowledge about what they heck they are talking about. They are simply "parrots" who repeat talking points from others who have no idea what they are talking about.
Excellent video Greece is watching 👍🇬🇷
Thank you so much!
Zig when others zag! Please, look after yourself in this sometimes crushing game...
Thank you Max. :)
Reviewers should make money but they've to be honest in their reviews. Or else they'll be behaving like the US politicians.
I find your terms... acceptable.
Seriously, you have to be able to mitigate cost. I'm fine with people receiving whatever in terms of compensation as long as they are transparent about it in the video. You obviously have significant cost for equipment (I'm looking at that Accuphase behind and thinking, "there goes $20k"), licensing fees, etc. There is no reason to pass on some reasonable opportunity to mitigate those expenses. Additionally, all reviews must be weighed carefully. Am I really going to hear much difference between an Accuphase P-7500, McIntosh MC462, Gryphon Anileon, Simaudio Moon 861, etc.? Probably not, and what preference I may have is going to be impacted by my speakers (the Accuphase is going to sound different on Focals vs. Sonus Faber vs. Bowers & Wilkins), room acoustics, etc. And as long as people still argues about if triode tube amps sound better than class AB BJT transistors, sound quality is more than subjective.
thats why some consumer audio brands still sell audio cables for £ 1000 or much more ...
Or it's because the cost of running a small business for a low volume product such as cable is crazy high.
Thanks for telling the facts! :)
Thanks for watching!
In general, 6 Moons is Too High End, albeit interesting !! Don’t have time to entertain equipment I will never be able on afford.
They are certainly very high end. I used them as an example of honesty and transparency others should follow.
@@JohnLee-db9zt It's not as bad as trying to navigate Mono & Stereo.
This is why you and Andy Milonakis are the only people I trust.
As the saying goes: 'If it ain't Greek it ain't fleek!'
It is pretty obvious who is doing what and for what reasons. I just use it as free entertainment personally. You need to get your expenses down.
Interesting and insightful. Subscribed.
Thanks and welcome!
Arylic paid off many reviewers. I got suckered into buying one . LOL They didn't say the thing sounds thin . Very thin .
Interesting. I have an Auralic , and as far as a streamer goes it’s pretty clean , not as good as a CD or a decent record but not thin . Are your speakers out of phase . No offence. lol. I guess we all get suckered in . Me included .
Hi @ Vassmarc: It's fair to say we all hear differently. Just because one person hears something different than someone else, doesn't make it a lie or a conspiracy (I know you are not saying it does).
People need to stop blaming others for their poor purchase decisions.
To your point his system may just not be very good to begin with.
I have a 8channel preamp dsp with xlr out this is the expensive bit. from there I have cheap crown pro amps and homemade speakers and subs.. It took years but I only spend £5000 total.. I have never heard anything like it ANYWHERE!..
All that matters is that you love it! No one can tell you that is wrong. Enjoy!
Greetings from Athens/Greece!!!!🎶
Hello Athens!
I follow Jay's Audio Lab.....and I cannot understand how he has acquired a $1 million system...anyone know his secret ?
Hey Dr - respectfully youdon't know about how he acquires gear (sometimes for free), resells it and makes money off manufacturers? Also, do you think he just "happens" to walk into certain rooms at shows out of mere curiosity? How do you think he makes money as this is his full time job now?
@@GreekAudioGeek he has $250,000 Gryphon Apex amps with $200,000 Sonus Faber SE17....something ordinary person could not acquire ?
I'm not going to speak ill of him and I wish him continued success. He certainly puts a lot of time and effort into his channel.
He simply chooses to make money in ways I would not do myself. In NO WAY am I suggesting anything is illegal.
Companies r not going to pay someone to get a bad review. It’s not happening. It has to be illegal for professional reviewers to get paid for reviews.
Do you really think making something illegal solves anything???
But rewievs are subjective and its up to you as reader (in old times) to figure out if the article are biased/bought/influensed etc - What is with the honest thing ?? They have a goal and audince and its up to you to figure out if your fit there -and what rewievers dont ralise the listen room plays a major part in listening - even weather like mosture plays in for the listening session - If the rewivers never realised this and just do whatever wtih every device they test - then they are just unedjucated and bad
Totally agree with you - it is ALWAYS up to the person to figure out. HOWEVER there are reviewers that will literally say to companies and distributors "you will pay me xxx and give me free equipment, and I promise a positive review". I was talking with another distributor last night and he was giving me real life examples of this. THAT is what I am referencing.
The majority of "audiophile" demos are not music; instead stupid sounds of solo drums, or wispy strings, or solo vocals. I'm immediately turned off.
Rarely do you find multiple instruments playing a rhythm and melody and noticing the separation and clarity of each instrument all in a pleasing way.
I've been obsessed with MUSIC first, played through great gear, since the late 60's.
I find most "audiophiles to be equipment eggheads, but they couldn't tell you the personnel who played and recorded which album throughout the decades.
Thanks!
And I assume these demonstrations are just as useful for someone who wants a home theater for 3 people.
What you mean the reviews that feel like infomercials, or when the reviewer starts designing audio equipment all of a sudden for companies they gave great reviews for? So far I like Hans vids.
Hans videos are great. I enjoy them as well.
Of course it's all a con. They know it. They don't have any conscience.
The reviewers are almost as bad.
Only what can be heared in this video is "I" this, "I" that... Stoped counting aftet 50.
I stopped reading your comment after you used the word "hearded". LOL
@@GreekAudioGeek "Hearded" !?!😂😂😂😂 So, smart from you! You can't even copy/paste!
English isn't my native language and I made a mistake with "heared" not "hearded", smartass!
What's your excuse?
And please don't start your answer with "I". OK?
He appropriately used "I" this and "I" that since he wants to be clear that he is expressing his personal point of view in the video.
I don't know what your first language is or how narrative perspectives work in it, but in English, first person point of view is a narrative style using pronouns like "I," "me," "we," and "us" to convey the narrator's personal perspective on the subject. The first person narrative style makes it clear that the narrator's opinions, mood, and experiences can color their impressions and descriptions of the subject.
@@luminiferous1960 I was expecting to hear more about " SECRETS Behind Audiophile Reviews - HiFi Dishonesty", and less about "I," "me," "we,"... Same level of dishonesty to get attention to own video.
@@crodoc69 You seem to have trouble distinguishing narrative perspective from narrative content.
In the video, he did discuss dishonesty in some HiFi reviews that he has observed from his own personal perspective, and how he personally avoids that by being transparent about his operations, while narrating in the first person singular using "I" to indicate that what he is saying is from his own subjective personal perspective.