ifitsoundsgoodlistentoit:matthew, you do have a point. however, a review of a CD/Amp combo is a review of a CD/Amp combo - not CD/Amp AND spealers or an article about synergy or speaker matching. as has been mentioned before re. reviews, a constant/reference is needed - in this case the speakers.
you say "that doesnt mean that every one of the CD/amp combos tested will perform to its full potential" and you are right. however, it might be more accurate to say that potentially NONE of the combos were performing to their full potential...IMHO
I see your point, but I'm increasingly of the thought that any review that is really worthwhile HAS to take account of synergy, as without doing so it is fairly meaningless. The very best components are capable of sounding pretty awful in the wrong system context so HFC's approach could quite easily lead to a review giving the wrong impression of a product.
Lets face it, the majority of hi-fi products are now designed and made to a very high standard and the vast majority are CAPABLE of excellent results. Consequently the single most important factor is synergy, and this can make or break a system.
I absolutely applaud WHFS&V for the thoroughness of their approach in the system test review and for their frequent focus across the magazine on synergy and the possibilities offered by different combinations of components. To me, this is what good hi-fi reviewing is all about now.