Does What Hi-FI Ever Post a Bad Review?!?

[keithiepoo]

I have yet to see any review of any product that is not worthy of one’s money. Granted, I’ve not read every single review. But, every one I do read presents a product worthy of purchase or consideration — regardless of any criticisms given to the product. This makes me suspicious of the truthfulness of their reviews.

What say the community out there?

 

[Gray]

This makes me suspicious of the truthfulness of their reviews.

You wouldn't be the first to question the motives behind WHF 5-star reviews.
To answer your question, yes they do have the odd 'bad' review - regular readers have come to regard 3 stars as a bad review (I've seen 2 stars).

Over on another forum, a reviewer answered the criticism of too many good reviews, by saying (words to the effect) that he weeds out poor stuff to ensure that only the better products make it to review.

When a publication 'reviews' the sound quality of cables.....you need to decide how much importance you place on any of their verdicts.

 

[jjbomber]

I have yet to see any review of any product that is not worthy of one’s money.

Anything that is a rival to Cr-Apple will get deducted a few stars!

 

[ianrjones]

You have to read between the lines. Take note of any adjectives.

 

[Al ears]

You have to read between the lines. Take note of any adjectives.

And words like " plenty of competition " which everyone knows means go buy something else.....
🙂

 

[Dave_]

When a publication 'reviews' the sound quality of cables.....you need to decide how much importance you place on any of their verdicts.

The same goes for anyone on the forum too...

 

[Messiah]

Two things that spring to mind for me are:

1. If companies submit a product for review, are they likely to submit anything that may get a bad review?

2. Surely most of these products (amps, speakers, CD Players etc) have been around for so long now that manufactures know how to make a good product.

So, for a manufacturer to A. make a bad product and B. submit if for review, seems highly unlikely.

(Certainly back in the 90's & 00's I remember reading quite a few low star reviews).

 

[abacus]

Unless you go really cheap there is nothing made these days that is bad, (Unlike the old days) but some are better than others. (Technology is well understood these days whereas it used to be just trial and error for anything new)

Bill

 

[Gel Man]

This was pretty funny:

Home review

Great set of features, but picture and sound quality isn’t a huge leap over the best budget decks

www.whathifi.com

🙂

 

[GroeneLeeuw]

No, and if you take them seriously or buy anything based on the reviews, you´re a fool.

 

[Jasonovich]

Unless you go really cheap there is nothing made these days that is bad, (Unlike the old days) but some are better than others. (Technology is well understood these days whereas it used to be just trial and error for anything new)

Bill

Also I think, same family of components used in different brands, more modular setups, universal sound type of almost the same quality.
This makes it hard to favour one brand over an other.

 

[jjbomber]

This was pretty funny:

Home review

Great set of features, but picture and sound quality isn’t a huge leap over the best budget decks

www.whathifi.com

🙂

Just shows how clueless they are.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

Two things that spring to mind for me are:

1. If companies submit a product for review, are they likely to submit anything that may get a bad review?

2. Surely most of these products (amps, speakers, CD Players etc) have been around for so long now that manufactures know how to make a good product.

So, for a manufacturer to A. make a bad product and B. submit if for review, seems highly unlikely.

(Certainly back in the 90's & 00's I remember reading quite a few low star reviews).

Why would they submit products they know are poor? No review is better than a bad review. At the end of the market where you are more likely to see bad products, most customers probably buy on price and, don't bother looking for reviews, except those they might find on retail sites, like Amazon.

 

[Al ears]

Just shows how clueless they are.

Good job I bought the BDP 105eu then....
🙂

 

[nopiano]

This became my favourite example to counter the original point, which is aired fairly frequently.

Home review

Our high hopes for these single-driver speakers have been dashed.

www.whathifi.com

There was a two star award in the last couple of months too, but I can’t currently recall what it was.

Edit:- here it is…

We've tested FiiO's full-size S15 music streamer, but is it as impressive as it sounds on paper?

The S15 is packed with features, but leaves much to be desired in crucial areas.

www.whathifi.com

 

[Messiah]

Why would they submit products they know are poor?

That was my point...😁

 

[Gray]

This became my favourite example to counter the original point, which is aired fairly frequently.

Home review

Our high hopes for these single-driver speakers have been dashed.

www.whathifi.com

2 stars?
I'd knock one of those stars off for the looks - and another for the Einklang name 😉

 

[Revolutions]

The same goes for anyone on the forum too...

Excellent work. This made me chuckle 😁

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

2 stars?
I'd knock one those stars off for the looks - and another for the Einklang name 😉

In the review, under pros they state:

• +
  Clean, detailed sound
• +
  Stunningly clear and precise with edges of notes

But, under cons:

• -
  Overall sound is a big old mess

Doesn't quite make sense...