MCD500 makes Stereophile Rec. Class A..

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jim.......Perhaps the lawsuit pendulum will eventually swing the other way one day. Someone will purchase a high dollar system based on a glowing review, be thoroughly disappointed that it does live up to the hype or expense, and file a lawsuit against the publication for representing the gear as a great value that influenced their purchase.

I subscribe to Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and download HiFi+ and Tone when it is available, as well as pick up a copy of other audio publications from time to time. My reading is strictly for the entertainment value. I subscribe to four or five other publications that are not audio related for the same purpose. It keeps me abreast of what is out there, but I don't take any of it as the gospel. It's a hobby, not a religion, as so many of the editors and contributors of high-end audio publications appear to promote.

Well said, Dan....someone else noted that it's a good idea to consult the audio forums to get some honest, real world opinions.

I presently subscribe to Stereophile, Home Theater, and Home Entertainment magazine, & I too download Tone when available. Like you, I don't take any of the reviews as gospel.

Pete

[MC352]

Originally Posted by Stillone

I recently read a post somewhere noting why you will not see a trash review of a product. In the UK some company won a large lawsuit (not for audio) when one of their products received a bad review. Now everyone is reticent of incurring this type of penalty. It has a lot less to do with the advertising dollars.

It's still lost revenue either way.

[es347]

I have been an S'phile subscriber for years even though I get pi$$ed just about every time I read the reviews. I must have a touch of masochism when it comes to audio rags. I just recently subscribed to TAS and its not much better but doesn't seem to raise my blood pressure to the same levels. I wish they'd stop with the el cheapo subscription rates...I just can't seem to say no.

[Talk2me]

"Stereopile", has the Sony SACD rated A+

[ruffoc]

.

[Mctwins]

Hi es347
It's time for you to unsubcribe
I don't like reviewers
My review of MCD500 A++
Thanks

[Tonepub]

Well, as much as the conspiracy theorists in the audience would like to disagree, none of the majors are making garbage equipment any more. They wouldn't have stayed in business if they did. The MCD500 is a solid player, with great sound, great build quality and great value for the money, considering the integrity of the company.

A good review should describe the product, it's functionality, tell you if there is anything really outstanding and cool about it and hopefully a bit of insight from the mfr. on why this particular product came to be. It's always vague at best describing the sound of any product (though we all still keep trying) and if possible compare it to a few like products around the price point.

Hopefully, a well written review will describe the product enough to generate your interest to go check it out. It's up to the dealer to present it adequately and you ultimately to decide if you like it enough to shell out your hard earned money for said product.

Personally, I think the whole A, B, C thing is pointless, because so much falls through the gap. I've heard every one of the Class A players and they all sound DIFFERENT. And if I could sit you all down and listen to them, the diff is apparent enough that I'm sure you'd agree. Again, which one would you buy? Obviously, the Mac die hards would buy the MCD500. But a few of you might change your minds. And I've had a few "non Mac" friends hear the MCD500 and add one to their system.

Personally, I really liked it not only because of the level of sound quality, but the fact that it does have SACD playback (Which is important to me, but might not be to you) and it can be used as a DAC to stream a music server, also VERY important to me.

So many people want to argue about what "the best" is, but a lot of times it boils down to what makes the most sense for you budget and system.

And McTwins, how many of us do you know personally? You might be surprised that we all have a lot more in common than you think. Of course you think the MCD500 is A++, because it's the player you own.

[Mctwins]

Hi
It was my attention to write this way because there is no straite answer. When I read a review of a gear then every gear is great, sounds great, good bass and so on, there is no one that is saying that this gear is not good, sounds is a disaster, don't by this. All gear out there can't sound good.

Tonepub.... point taken.
Thanks

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Mctwins

Hi
It was my attention to write this way because there is no straite answer. When I read a review of a gear then every gear is great, sounds great, good bass and so on, there is no one that is saying that this gear is not good, sounds is a disaster, don't by this. All gear out there can't sound good.

Tonepub.... point taken.
Thanks

Actually most gear sounds good, some just sounds a bit better.

[jim777]

And what is not always very clear in the reviews is that not all *combinations* of gear sound great together. I've heard the same Sf Cremona's on Mac and I've heard with some "other truly reputable brand", and it was two different animals.. The Mac was way better, even though it was half the price of the other amp. Actually, I asked to listen on the mac kit because the sound of the "higher end" system was so deceiving.. finally it wasn't the speaker's fault! What's tricky is that maybe it would be possible that I'd prefer the first system with other speakers (or some prefer a different mix of detail and emotion or whatever). But hey, Mac and Sf is a match made in heaven