AWARDS 2008: Results published today!

[Anonymous]

Will Harris:I am so looking forward to getting home and finding my copy waiting for me and that's inspite of having read Andy's shortlist of the winners. Interestingly no Onkyo receivers this year! I'd so love to see a second hand awards. There is so much kit out their that enthusiasts trade back and forth. It would be just wonderful if one day What Hi-Fi ran a Classic Awards Issue, perhaps taking a decade at a time and pulling out the top items from years past. Particularly useful for us second hand addicts! Start with 2000 - 2008 and then 1990 - 2000. Would be such fun!

I doubt we'll such a feature. Advertising is what makes the magazine money and the second hand market doesn't make money for the manufacturers. If anything encouraging people to buy second hand instead of new products affects sales of new products.

 

[Anonymous]

Why don't you guys do it for/with the team next year ? I'm sure you'd soon get the idea that

a) The workload is enormous, and

b) There are second hand specialists out there who are probably much better equipped to do this sort of thing.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Breeder:I doubt we'll such a feature. Advertising is what makes the magazine money and the second hand market doesn't make money for the manufacturers. If anything encouraging people to buy second hand instead of new products affects sales of new products.

Ah, that old chestnut...

 

[Simon Lucas]

Will Harris:I'd so love to see a second hand awards.

I can see it now. "The Award for best remedially-specified multichannel receiver that isn't full of cat-hair goes to..."

 

[Anonymous]

I'd heard that cat hair makes them sound warmer...

 

[John Duncan]

And that Onkyo blamed it for the fires?

 

[John Duncan]

Allegedly.

 

[Anonymous]

Hmmmm fair point on the workload and another fair point on the funding from advertisers. Wouldn't want to hurt the mag!

But that said, who are the second hand experts, already doing it. I'll buy their rag to complement What Hi-Fi.

Not sure I agree with the remedial multi-channel amp comment. Power amps don't age. In fact that's half the point. What changes have taken place in power amps and how do they compare in sound? Topical for me as I have an old amp with multi-channel inputs. This means I'm set-up for Bluray, just looking for the best amplifiers to do the job. On this a take on amplifier technology going back through the years would educate me no end.

Having been to a hi-fi show at Heathrow for the first time a few weeks ago, it is clear that What Hi-Fi is in a very different market segment from the "enthusiast" market. There are some crazy people, crazy products and niche magazines in that segment. What Hi-Fi is more mainstream, more current and I have to say, from reading a number of niche mags, more consistent. That's why I like it. But it does stick to the very mainstream. Sometimes I wish What Hi-Fi would apply their qualities to sectors less often served. Not all the time, but occasionally.

I appologise for suggesting you work harder than you already do. I salute you all.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Will Harris:another fair point on the funding from advertisers

Not at all - totally inaccurate point, actually...

 

[Andy Clough]

Indeed. Anyway, in an attempt to divert everyone from this old argument, maybe you'd like to take a look at some rather nice videos of all our 2008 Products of the Year, now available to view on our dedicated Awards website. Enjoy.