Ever bought anything because of a review

**David Meek** · 12 February 2002, 12:33 Tuesday

I bought my VansEvers Model 100 power conditioner/protector based on reviews and a couple of phone conversations with Mike VansEvers. I've been extremely happy with it! I'd highly recommend one to anybody that'd listen.

David - HTGuide flunky
Our "Theater"
Our DVDs on DVD Tracker

**Andrew Pratt** · 12 February 2002, 13:24 Tuesday

hmm I guess the Tempest driver was a blind purchase b/c of the reviews...for most of the other gear though I've used reviews to narrow down the choices then auditioned them in person before buying.

**Burke Strickland** · 12 February 2002, 13:44 Tuesday

Interesting that you should mention the Sony VPL-W400Q LCD projector. In effect, I bought it based on reviews. I had been put off by the "screen door effect" I'd seen on the mis-named Sharp projectors that it seemed everyone in town was displaying. Based on numerous favorable reviews which specifically mentioned the W400Q's "staggered" pixel arrangement as the "cure" for "screen door", I took a chance on an order of the W400Q sight-unseen (although I also had a 30 day money-back trial period to fall back on). Four years later, it is still the video centerpiece of my HT.

My attention was piqued by favorable reviews in "Home Theater" and "Stereo Review" of the Definitive Technology BP2000 speakers (which in 1995 were considered an an innovative design with bipolar drivers and "built in subwoofers" in a floor-standing tower configuration). However, in this case, I spent several hours listening to them at my local dealer with my own music CDs before actually placing an order. But since I had spent that amount of time at the dealer listening to them (and I guess it didn't hurt that I had bought a whole lot of other stuff there) they knew I was really serious about these speakers and so they delivered them to my house the day I placed my order, even though most dealers at the time had a long waiting list for this then-new model.

For power conditioning, I had read a lot of review "buzz" about the Richard Grey Power Company, so when my local dealer pointed out that all their equipment was hooked up to them and suggested I try one at home on a trial basis, I took him up on it. I really liked what it did, and bought it. I also ended up buying a second one. :>)

And, a year ago, a very favorable review in Stereophile Guide to Home Theater focused my attention on a new pre/pro that had just hit the dealer's showrooms. Since I was in the middle of a search for a new pre/pro, I added the Integra Research RDC-7 to my audition list. I've already detailed the rest of that story over in "Club Integra". :>)

In most every other case, reviews have been an "after the sale" confirmation that I had made a good choice (including, by coincidence, a Yamaha DSP-A3090 when I was first getting into Dolby Digital.). For example, none of the reviewers had gotten their hands on the Magnepan MG 3.6 speakers at the time I first heard them. But I knew, upon listening, that these were very special -- better than anything else I had heard at any price -- with clarity, detail, wide and deep soundstage, etcetera, that made the speakers "disappear", providing an open window on the performance -- so I bought them. The rave reviews in the published journals came later. :>)

Burke

**JonMarsh** · 12 February 2002, 15:04 Tuesday

I bought a Sony XA7ES based on a Stereophile review, and a really low price at the Sony outlet store. No regrets.

I bought my SCD777ES sight unheard, based on reviews of the SCD-1, and buzz on the internet. Oade Bros. did the honors. Definitely no regrets.

I bought a Sony 400Q, based on Internet info. Sight unseen. Along with an Exetron 202VSI., both from Medical Video Systems. ThomasW is getting a lot of mileage out of that setup.

OTOH, my Ayre V-5 came after auditioning an early prototype.

And somethings I just decide to live dangerously, and take a crap shoot, like my Hawk Audio DAC kit from APN in the Netherlands! I mean, what's life without a few thrills and uncertainties?

-Jon

Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....

**George Bellefontaine** · 12 February 2002, 15:12 Tuesday

I neglected to mention, that I,too bought the VPL400 after reading favorable reviews in two ht mags. The one that did it for me appeared in SGHT.

My Homepage!

**Sonnie Parker** · 12 February 2002, 15:42 Tuesday

I don't think I've purchased very much equipment without reading several reviews, if I could find them.

That's the first thing I do when I am considering equipment, look for reviews. I like reading magazine reviews as well as personal experience reviews such as www.audioreview.com, although the personal reveiws lack sometimes....and some are bogus.

But, I tell you, I don't think there is any replacement for forum opinions. I have found that most forum folks will really tell you like it is. And there are many forums for specific equipment, such at my Sony pre/pro forum. A great place to learn about equipment and it's performance, etc.

I have made several choices on various items (not just audio) from recommendations from this forum alone. The choices have been favorable thus far.

EDIT: Oh, and I fell to mention that I've subscribed to HTM since it's inception and I remember Brent.....I liked him very much as a reviewer......as well as Corey Greenberg (my Pink Floyd friend).

SONNIE

Cedar Creek Cinema

DVD Collection

BFD Comprehensive Setup Guide

**Lex** · 12 February 2002, 21:02 Tuesday

Well, I do think I went to get my Proceed HPA-2 after reading a review. Certainly no regret there! I loved it so much, 2 weeks later, I picked up it's brother, the AMP5. One of my pieces is a very low serial number, like # 18 built.

I am sure I read about the DC-1 before getting it. the MC-1 was automatic. Sonus faber, I discovered locally.

Lex

**Clive** · 12 February 2002, 22:51 Tuesday

Well, lets just say that everything I buy from here in will be based on good reviews and recommendations from you guys. I started out blindly just over a year ago, didn't even know much more than I was told from the salesperson at an A/V store at the time

ops:

Well lets say today I've grown........real fast!!

Thanks!

CLIVE

HEY!! Why buy movie tickets when you can own a Theater?

**John Holmes** · 14 February 2002, 23:07 Thursday

I bought my current sub based on reviews, never heard it. I am very happy with it.

Also recommened a receiver to a friend, which neither of us heard before his purchase. He is very happy with it.

I was so impressed with the reviews on my current L/C/R that I gave a listen and bought them that day. Still tickled pink with them.

My rear speakers was a recomendation from an associate. I purchase them unheard. Was very happy with them for a long time. Now they maybe the weak link in my system.

"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

**Bruce** · 14 February 2002, 23:21 Thursday

I'm now on the reserve list for an Outlaw 950 prepro.

After I heard from the beta tester Gene (in the forums) who owns a Lexicon MC-12 that he couldn't tell the difference in 2-channel, I got on the 950 list.

Bruce
____________________________________________

**Chip** · 15 February 2002, 08:29 Friday

Well, let's see..

From reviews i bought Catcables, SVS 20-39PC sub, Dish 6000 HD receiver, Sony 555ES SACD/CD changer and my Sony 9K DVD player. Not-a-one has dissapointed me except for the slow GUI on the Dish 6000. 8)

Chip Engle

"Concrete ain't a spectator sport"

<a href="http://www.htguide.com/bilder/index.cfm?fuseaction=arkivbilder&userid=0&selected userid=336" target="_blank">My HT

Ever bought anything because of a review

Ever bought anything because of a review

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