What HiFi Awards 2008

[Anonymous]

Andrew Everard:
seakingadvice:How long does it typically take to review an AV Receiver?

Once a review is scheduled and the equipment received, several weeks by the time everyone has had a play and we have done some listening/viewing sessions.

Do all of you actually have to test all the equipment or do you guys specialise in testing particular products? And who finally has to actually write the reviews?

I think it would be great if WHF could publish some sort of beginners guide to testing products so that we know what to do when we walk into the shops to test products before buying.

 

[Thaiman]

It is a big occasion, WHF Awards. Always have been, I know a few out there can't truly accepted that these awards can make or break ceratian HiFi company (Serenity for example)

I know for the fact that certain hifi stores are now looking at these awards issue and plan their stocks for Christmas so Seren, this is where all the fuss about.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Thaiman

At last someone is prepared to stand up and say something close the the truth.

Its all to keep the wheels of industry turning.

Now wouldnt that answer at the start have kept me quiet and happy?

Thanks Again for the honesty

;-) S

 

[professorhat]

I was telling the truth...

 

[Andy Clough]

seakingadvice:Andrew Everard:
seakingadvice:How long does it typically take to review an AV Receiver?

Once a review is scheduled and the equipment received, several weeks by the time everyone has had a play and we have done some listening/viewing sessions.

Do all of you actually have to test all the equipment or do you guys specialise in testing particular products? And who finally has to actually write the reviews?

I think it would be great if WHF could publish some sort of beginners guide to testing products so that we know what to do when we walk into the shops to test products before buying.

Obviously one person will actually write the review - products are split up between our team of six reviewers at each week's editorial meeting - but at least two or three members of the team will listen to each product, so the final verdict is very much a group decision, not an individual's verdict.

As everything is tested in our suite of listening rooms here in the office, it's extremely easy for each reviewer to pop in and out of the different rooms and discuss what's being tested, which tends to be what happens.

And at the time of Awards judging, everyone piles in when it gets down to the wire. If you'd like to know more about how we test, there's a full page about our methods here. Hope that helps.

 

[Thaiman]

Seren, I thought it was quite an obvious reply from myself

Consumers need to know that what are the best they can get for his/her hard earn cash and without magazines and internet base reviews, consumers would have a little clue what to demo let alone what are to buy.

Awards can also encourage HiFi companies to better their last products to keep people spending (and enjoy themself, of course) the small negative side is the products that didn't get reviews or awards could feel some trouble at this credit crunch time but I suppose that is a risk of any business. other point I would like to make here and I think it is a big point, this is a WHF website forum therefore most people who post here do subscripte to the MAG, the excitement within members are only to be expected.

 

[Alec]

professorhat:Serenity:But "Awards" what does that do for appreciators of HiFi? The only thing that comes to mind is that it gives a select few manufactures a few extra sales from the sheep and ditherers.
al7478:if you passionately agree with an award, good for you. If you passionately disagree, you'll presumably come here and argue the toss, which is equally as pointless and inconsequential. As are the awards, as you're always telliung us not to just buy 5 star stuff.
I just enjoy reading it. Might influence my decision in a future purchase, might not. Not everything I read has to have a purpose in my life - it's entertainment...

Now thst fair enough, and im sorry if ive been a teeny bit ott (i say im sorry, but i dont think ive been too bad meself). i just wanted to agree with the idea that its nice to read perhaps, but not really that big of a deal.

 

[Alec]

Andrew Everard:
So if you're looking for some advice as to what we consider to be the best products of the moment, then the Awards may be of assistance to you; if not, then they probably aren't.

Many readers seem to look forward to the Awards issue each year, and making derogatory remarks about them isn't really fair...

We simply do our best to deliver the best possible advice to those who put their faith and trust in us.

if the above was not aimed at me i do sincerely apologise.

If it is, however, ive made no derogatory remarks about anyone, except for to kind of point out to clare that i understand, and dont need to be reminded on a loop, that ypou all work very hard (for a job that pays ok and you love and dont begrudge doing, presumably, and in return for which i pay over £4 a month) and are pretty good at.

I'm full of love for my fellow readers (well, except him...>).

Again, aplogies if im mistaken.

 

[Clare Newsome]

I believe you are mistaken, and that Mr E's ire was aimed elsewhere.

But I stand by my need to share the joys of WHF reviewing with one and all - apologies if that irks regulars....

 

[Andrew Everard]

Serenity:
Hi Thaiman

At last someone is prepared to stand up and say something close the the truth.

Its all to keep the wheels of industry turning.

Now wouldnt that answer at the start have kept me quiet and happy?

Thanks Again for the honesty

;-) S

That's only Thaiman's opinion as a reader, of course. But I had assumed you were working toward that theme somehow, Serenity.

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:
I believe you are mistaken, and that Mr E's ire was aimed elsewhere.

But I stand by my need to share the joys of WHF reviewing with one and all - apologies if that irks regulars....

Never irksome, embrace the WHF Awards I say

 

[Andrew Everard]

al7478:if the above was not aimed at me i do sincerely apologise.

Not aimed at you, and no need to apologise.

 

[Anonymous]

So, we are all united, everyone agrees:-

We are all a happy bunch of members.
We have not thrown any toys out of any prams.
We all Love each other.
We are all entitled to our opinions.
Awards are necesarry and vital.
We all Love ALL awards - they ar the bees knees.
We cant live without them.
We are better off taking note - even if we dont agree with their findings.
They aren't just an excuse to organise a big boozy party.
They are fully justified.
We need them because, ...because, ...because (darn it - I've forgotten again! please remind me someone) But anyway - we NEED them. Its true - we are wrapped over the knuckles if we dont like the reason why, so we need them.
They are the icing on the cake to all the previous reviews and recommendations.
They are required to draw a line under this years debates and deliberations, so we can start a new year with a clean slate. All Pro's and Cons, stars and ratings are reset to zero.
Everyone is happy (including Dear old Serenity and Dear Young Clare {whatever happened to the nice colour picture?} and the valued WHF team).

So Stop bickering and be told: We need them.

As Ringo says "Peace and Love"

I'll leave you in peace for a while now.

Merry Christmas

S ;-)

PS my Lotery ticket numbers are * * * * * *
Press Ctrl + Alt + F1 to reveal

 

[Thaiman]

LOL

That is what make this world go round

Peace man

 

[Anonymous]

No Thaiman . . . that's the gravitational pull of the sun.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Serenity:So, we are all united, everyone agrees:-...
Golly - you do go on, don't you...?

 

[drummerman]

Interesting issue (yes I bought one). What I found puzzling is the respective reviews/awards of the cyrus players. Not because I think they're not good but WhatHifi said the 6se betters their Naim 10 grand player. So what margin does that leave the 8se and what would you compare it to ... the worlds best player? But it does'nt end there of course. You can have the 8SE 'upgraded' to a transport only and add the companies separate DAC. Perhaps not content? Add psx ...

They are good players, I've used them next to the predecessor I had, admittedly only for relative short periods respectively so I can't comment to much on it but surely there's some hype going on here but no more than HifiChoices verdict of Arcam's FMJ38 being one of the best amplifiers regardless. I guess it just shows even reviewers/editors can get carried away sometimes.

What I did appreciate was the CA's DacMagic getting the correct mentioning as a very useful, good value device rather than a 'high end' killer which it clearly is'nt though I can't argue with the other mags verdict of product of the year. I probably could'nt think of to many other products that would deserve that accolade.

 

[PJPro]

Andrew Everard:
PJPro:PS3. It's on the micro site.I voted for it. But would have liked Stanley to have won it.

Yes, if you wanted the well-known tool company to win, why didn't you vote for it rather than for the PS3?

My head said the PS3. My heart said Mr Beresford. In the end I went with my head.