• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Gear reviews on Amazon ...

estreeter

estreeter

Super Member
I know - these are customer reviews, not 'experts', but sometimes it helps sift through the hype and sheer BS that seems to accumulate around certain components. It can also be a good way of gauging quality control issues that arent mentioned in the 'expert' reviews.

The downside is obvious - fanboys and their opposite number, the perennial whinger. I can easily ignore the fanboys - usually not much to see there - but I do read the 'disappointed' reviews in case they mention a quality control issue or somesuch. While that does happen, its more often the case that they expected 3K worth of performance for 500 bucks, largely because that was what the reviews - expert and customer alike - had led them to believe was coming their way. IMO, inflated expectations are one of the quickest routes to Disappointment Central, and that's a train that terminates at Insolvency City. :yikes:

My tired metaphors aside, what say you AK ? Do Amazon customer reviews form part of your 'background checks' when considering a new piece of kit, or am I wasting my time ?
 
Register to hide this ad
Amazon reviews are what got me into this hobby in the first place when I was looking for my first pair of headphones a few years back. They convinced me to get a pair of Grados like those in your sig. From then on I was hooked to good sound. :)

Now if you want to know where you can find really bad reviews; check out Newegg. The most un-informed and hilarious reviews are usually by those who rate their tech knowledge high while their posts show quite the opposite. Amazon typically isn't too bad, all things considered. Between their reviews and the 'professionals' you can usually get a good idea of where a product stands.
 
Fair points, Red. We can buy some things from Amazon, but Grado and others have dealership networks in place preventing anyone outside the US buying at 'special' prices. I dont know of anyone down here who uses newegg - I assume its US only ? I haven't shown any particular interest in computers since the Core processors made the whole 'upgrade' thing largely academic for everyone except gamers.
 
I don't put much faith in Amazon reviews for audio equipment. Too many inexperienced, uninformed people with too much time on their hands. There also seems to be a bunch of these people that will post negative reviews just because an item is more expensive than they think it should. And don't even mention cables/interconnects.
 
I feel that if you take your time and slog through a bunch of them, positive and negative for a certain product, you'll be able to piece together enough information to make a decent decision. It just takes time and patience.
 
I check the negative reviews people leave on Amazon, especially when they're a small number of them amongst a large number of positive ones (It's usually some numbnuts who either doesn't know how to use the thing or complains that it didn't have enough "features", which is probably why I was there looking at the thing in the first place... I hate bells and whistles).

These days, you have to strap on your waders no matter WHERE you go online, but Amazon's a lot better than many of the alternatives. The only thing I dislike is Amazon the CORPORATION (Probably owned by Google at this point... I have a real love/hate relationship with Google).
 
All reviews collectively should be viewed as a field of grain, with a harvest of information to be reaped AND some chaff to be left behind. All reviews, professional and consumer, should be read with a grain of salt. Many writeups posing as reviews are mere regurgitations of factory press releases. Professional reviewers need to be careful they don't bite the hands that feed them, unless they can independently source items for review. Consumer reviews, while coming in all flavors of experience, can be useful for determining trends in basic quality and performance.
 
I read them along with reviews from other sources when available. I feel better when a large number of reviews have been posted for a product. I fbelieve that increases my odds in making the right decision and in finding a few reviews with good background information on the writer and his/her tastes.
 
I buy a lot of items from Amazon but not too much in the way of stereo components or accessories. However, if I do plan to purchase something along those lines, I like to check the reviews, not only on Amazon, but at other places such as Crutchfield and Audio Advisor. You know it's the old "information is power" thing.

In the final analysis however, common sense prevails.
 
My wife finds the reviews that give 3 stars more useful in getting a handle on a product than those that rave or rap.
 
I look at Amazon reviews the same way I look at AK reviews or any other review that can be affected by different systems, experience, biases, or whatever.
Just part of my research that can include any owner/service manuals, specs, in-person listening, etc.

Also consider the warranty or return policy for new purchases. I have usually had good dealings with Amazon and their sellers. Less hassle than that auction site.

Amazon also has seller feedback reviews.

You weigh the pros and cons and risks, then you make the tough decision.
 
estreeter said:
Fair points, Red. We can buy some things from Amazon, but Grado and others have dealership networks in place preventing anyone outside the US buying at 'special' prices. I dont know of anyone down here who uses newegg - I assume its US only ? I haven't shown any particular interest in computers since the Core processors made the whole 'upgrade' thing largely academic for everyone except gamers.
Click to expand...
I deal with Newegg alot for my computer parts but I am in the USA . Those review help if looked at as a large number rather than each one fan boys and other that do or don't remove eggs for real reason . To me if it works no problems that should be 3 maybe four . If it performed great the 5 most give some thing a 5 if it works . On the other end one and zeros if it doa with out a follow up on how it was handled . As for Amazon I buy books and some small thing there so reviews of the seller is a good indicator of how easy the transaction will be. This now comes to Gear reviews most of the reviewers on Amazon think Bose is the end all and be all of Stereo . The waveradio is a good little radio for the Kitchen that does nothing real bad and nothing real well. It Mid-fi not high-end so I do not trust reviews of equipment by Amazon users.
 
I read the reviews on Amazon and New Egg. I read them with a grain of salt. Often you have to read between the lines or interpret what the reviewer has actually written. I mostly use them to get a general idea about a given item. My decision to buy or not is never based only on those reviews.
 
The reviews will point out if a product has a serious quality control flaw.....I find Amazon to be very helpful.
 
All information is usable. :yes:
Take the Info that You need or want, Leave the rest alone. :scratch2:
 
terra1 said:
I look at Amazon reviews the same way I look at AK reviews or any other review that can be affected by different systems, experience, biases, or whatever.
Just part of my research that can include any owner/service manuals, specs, in-person listening, etc.

Also consider the warranty or return policy for new purchases. I have usually had good dealings with Amazon and their sellers. Less hassle than that auction site.

Amazon also has seller feedback reviews.

You weigh the pros and cons and risks, then you make the tough decision.
Click to expand...

Yup. The reviews are just one tool in the decision process for making a purchase. For example, I did extensive research for a generator purchase a few years ago. After reading many reviews on many sites I settled on a model. I bought from Amazon because it had the best price and free shipping, in addition to reviews that matched other sites (conspiracy here?). Other sites that had similar prices wanted to charge >$100 to ship. My generator came on a truck with a power lift so the driver was able to wheel the unit into my garage. I used it for 2 days post-Sandy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom