audioFi.net Hi-fi news, reviews and rants
  • Reviews
    • Amplifiers
    • Digital Players/Streamers
    • Digital Processors
    • Loudspeakers
    • Accessories
    • Preamplifiers, phono stages
    • Systems
    • Turntables, cartridges
    • Headphones, headfi, desktop
  • News
  • Rants ‘n Raves
  • Hot Picks
    • Amplifiers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Preamplifiers
    • Systems
    • Turntables, cartridges, etc
  • What’s Up
  • About us
  • Home
  • News
  • Overrated ratings?

Overrated ratings?

April 29, 2021 Leave a Comment Written by The Editor

RATINGS accorded to a product in the course of a review are an old practice. On one side of the coin, it allows readers to quickly decide if they want to short-list a product… on the flip side, the ratings don’t always tell the whole story, you need to read the review in its entirety for better clarity and a more holistic conclusion. Still, because of the bite-sized nature of a rating, a low score can see the rest of the text being skipped over, which is rather unfortunate.

Reviews comprise subjective opinions and objective viewpoints, and the perspectives and preferences of each reviewer differ in varying degrees. Sometimes, a particular product goes down well with a dozen reviewers, but the next chap may have a different take on it. Both views aren’t wrong. The product is the same and measures the same… but there are “X” factors to contend with, like the reviewer’s tastes, environment and ancillary equipment.

The ratings our reviewers give each product are based both on their internal findings and a big-picture outlook. Just because the reviewer isn’t so hot on a product doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write it off – we’ve always believed that you should let your ears be the final judge of any hi-fi product’s performance.

However, for the sake of transparency, we’ve decided to explain the framework set for our reviewers when they rate a product on “Performance” and “Value”. Take this for what it is – a condensed version of a reviewer’s personal opinion. No audio company really makes a bad product, it’s just a matter of how much or little it appeals to one’s aesthetic values. And that’s the crux of the matter.

Performance:
10/10: Exceptional. A top pick, no matter the price.
9/10: Outstanding, highly recommended.
8/10: Extremely good mostly, key strengths a deal-maker to some. A must-audition.
7/10: Generally very good, with some reservations.
6/10: Par for the course. Read the review – what is does well could be just what you want.
5/10: Limited appeal, perhaps driven by eccentricity. Read the pros and cons.
Anything below 5/10 has major issues, in reliability, matching and appeal.

Value:
10/10: Even at full price, a bargain.
9/10: Excellent value, you don’t have to think too much.
8/10: You can’t go wrong at this price.
7/10: Think, there are other choices as well.
6/10: Think harder.
5/10: Either they’re crazy, we are crazy, or the product is ultra high-end. Target customer may value it much higher!
Below 5/10: Enough said.

News
headfi, hi-fi, personal audio, ratings
Similar posts
  • Review: EarMen Angel DAC/headamp is a poster boy for neutrality —

    EARMEN ANGEL DAC/h [...]

  • New venue, October dates for KLIAV Show —

    AFTER a two-year break due to pande [...]

  • All I want for my (hi-fi) Christmas — IT'S just a few days to Christmas, but still not too late to [...]
  • The curious case of the Sony DMP-Z1 — IT isn't what most of us would perceive as a "portable" prod [...]
  • At the Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show 2018 — THE Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show 2018 is a different [...]
Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 — a natural at all it does
Streaming for audiophiles… a primer

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Categories

  • Recent
  • Ultimate damping in new Furutech XLR plugs
    March 29, 2023
  • Charybdis is Erzetich’s new planar-magnetic headphones
    March 22, 2023
  • Belt up, your Rega turntable will thank you
    March 16, 2023
  • All-new N1-S38 is Melco’s new digital library flagship
    March 8, 2023
  • Chord Company PowerARAY Professional
    Chord Company’s PowerARAY cuts out the noise
    March 2, 2023

RSS 440Hz.my – Expanding music horizons

  • Gibson acquires Mesa/Boogie January 7, 2021 The Editor
  • The Pandemic, The Arts, and The Situation October 5, 2020 BRENDAN de CRUZ
  • Martin SC-13E… fret not over the higher notes January 17, 2020 The Editor
  • Sadowsky and Warwick announce licensing deal December 17, 2019 The Editor
  • Roland RP302… your family-friendly digital piano December 2, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • The making of a Taylor guitar – a sustainable and ethical process November 28, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • Godin Acoustic Series… keeping it premium November 18, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • Eugene Lee – bringing ’em back to life November 11, 2019 NR Lohan
  • Fender announces the American Ultra series November 6, 2019 The Editor
  • Penang House of Music – still a mountain to climb October 28, 2019 RSMurthi

evolve theme by Theme4Press  •  Powered by WordPress