Are YouTube audio reviews genuine?

Are KZbin audio reviewers paid for their reviews? And if so, do they admit to it? What other financial incentives might they have? In this video, I reveal all.
DAVID MELLOR'S MUSIC
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Disclaimer: Videos on this channel may include affiliate links and may feature software that has been received free of charge with an NFR (not for resale) licence, equipment that has been loaned or donated by a manufacturer or distributer, or equipment that has been bought for less than full retail price.

[@jamesstewart1357]

Rule 1: Trust nobody.

[@deanokay666]

My gripe with the audio review “thing” is, reviewers rarely do a bad review. Rather, if they don’t like a product, they simply ignore its existence. That doesn’t help buyers researching a short list of products.

[@hellcat5music]

sure it does. if you don't find much about something, it's probably bad. if x reviewer doesn't do a video on x item, maybe because it's bad. check out other trusted sources, see what you find. if it's a lack of comment, that could be all the comment you need.

[@ericdere]

Another word for "paid review" or "paid promotion" is "ad".

[@scientificaudiophile]

Thanks for your honesty. I assumed saying it was sent was enough and giving it a bad review isn't a promotion, but you're right. I went back and just marked the items I received, that I was allowed to keep as "paid promotion". And you should have called me out - hell if any channel deserves a slap in the face, it's mine.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

Legend.

[@jimbeveridge5185]

Appreciate your transparency David. The worst reviews IMHO are the ones where a high profile reviewer does a hatchet job on a product in order to switch purchasers to a competitor.

[@Ukraine4TheWin]

Great review of reviews from my #1 reviewer.

[@zavatone]

What's your review and what are you hiding?

[@grandadgamer8390]

Great vid, I normally spot these vids from a mile off. Also seen channels implode because they have allowed themselves to be used. I think as any channel grows, regardless of the subject, some can develop kind of blasé attitude. But they underestimate the savvy of their subs. Keep going man, great channel 👍

[@kenwuesq]

Reviewers also like to hide behind "long term loan," which is analogous to "no interest loan" or free stuff. They also don't reveal that they offer equipment for sale to viewers because "they ran out of space in their basements." If a reviewer is planning on selling the equipment, they are a retailer/salesperson and incentivized to publish a positive review. Transparency solves all the above problems.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Eh... it's killin' me. "...analogous..."? Nope. Their not. & "If a reviewer is planning..."? That's intent. A very poor measuring stick. (edit) & "Transparency.."? OK. I am transparent. That's it? solved?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Cheers, David! Always enjoy your videos and especially your point of view.

[@PeterbFree]

You have an air of honesty about you which is evident in how you address every topic that you present in each video. Anyone looking at you work can see that you are interested in the subject first, and whatever revenue gained from your work is secondary

[@AudioMasterclass]

You're not wrong, I am interested in the subject. I can't say I don't like the revenue though. Getting paid for talking about my interests is icing on the cake.

[@davidcarr2216]

Are YT audio reviews genuine ? HiFi reviews are all about maintaining the rabbit hole. When you've got people down the rabbit hole you can sell them something. Audio components shouldn't sound very different at all (and don't when they're properly designed). But we all know that HiFi guys love reviews which tell them that "if you put this amp on, it does this, and sounds like this, and makes your Pink Flioyd sound different (better ?), etc." So then they go to the shop and say "I want one of those amps, that do this, and sound like this, and make my Pink Floyd sound better." "Certainly sir, we've got those in stock, would you like to hear one ?" ..... "Oh yeah, I can hear it now, it does this, and sounds like this, and makes my Pink Floyd sound better". It's called Audio Populism - or telling people what they want to hear.

[@artysanmobile]

Your humor is as genuine as it gets.

[@marcomazzini]

Just thank you for this video ❤ greetings from Peru

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

Interesting perspective on reviewers who buy their own products - it seems obvious now but I never thought about confirmation bias in their reviews.

[@ptg01]

Full disclosure would be great to let your audience know that the manufacturer is ok with you keeping the equipment. Makes you come across totally above board !!!

[@victoriaq5157]

another good one Torque Test Channel. These good Utubers are not audio, just great reviewers, just examples of how reviews can be done and be a successful channel.

[@jeffcline7689]

We are at least (I) think I am an enthusiast. It is just nice to see you give out information about the recording process and modern equipment that I could never afford. But I did get Stereo Review magazine in the late seventies and early eighties. Now as I clean the county sewers for a living it is nice to just look and see what is going on. Hopefully not taken as a troll. I see all of these young couples at home in the middle of the day in nice houses driving BMWs. After cleaning sewers all day I hop in my 19 year old Nissan take a shower and watch some of your videos.

[@DavidAlexander9999]

A number of the reviewers that I follow declare the status of the equipment they review ie whether the equipment is sent for free or if they purchased it.

[@EricB256]

Years ago, I wanted to make a satire on the popular genre of haul video by presenting a haul of used CDs I got from the clearance sale of my local used CD shop. But then, I decided against it because I had more interesting things to do. Even reading reviews of new albums does not make me want to go out and listen to that music in general. But sometimes, the reviewer mentions some favourite musicians who play on these recordings. That is what I'm looking for in a review. I guess most brands realize that most viewers of reviews can only be interested in the fact that a certain product exists, and not influenced into buying it. However, there are also people who will buy anything if that product's advertising is hitting the right spots on them. Bless them. They are keeping alive the economy.

[@Havreflan]

I want everyone to declare they have gotten whatever item they're reviewing for free. I'm aware that most don't.

[@rickhbrown]

Thanks for explaining this. How KZbin monetization works is a mystery to us mere mortals.

[@rabit818]

“I want to believe”, X-Files I don’t detect conflict of interest on your reviews, I love the light sarcasm.

[@user-hs1ow9xt3x]

I 100% agree with you. I m get rid of many KZbin channels that I used to visit. Many of KZbinrs trolled titles and exaggerated to get what they want from viewers.Keep it honest and simple and be happy.True colors shows eventually. Thanks.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

As soon as I know, or even suspect, that a reviewer is getting freebies, I tune out. I recently stopped following two music reviewers for this very reason. Once you start pushing freebies, you're compromised, and therefore drop into the bucket with hundreds of others.

[@Cypeq]

so you don't watch any reviews?

[@chaoticsystem2211]

exactly

[@thexfile.]

Thanks!

[@AudioMasterclass]

Thank you, much appreciated. DM

[@s_r_v]

Reviewers should be honest, I'd not thought about the post purchase bias that you mentioned so maybe a sample that they received for free but had to send back is the way to go? Most of us haven't got the time energy or money to audition lots of kit and when we need new kit which isn't very often we rely on honest reviews, it helps when a reviewer does comparison reviews so that's why I check hifi mags when they review say ten AV receivers for under £1000, then narrow it down then check other reviews of the couple I narrow it down to then purchase... I went into richer sounds the other month and got them to demo 2 sets of speakers connected to the same amp/cd transport and was surprised I could hear quite a difference which actually matched up with some reviews I found after I did my audition... I've still not bought any new speakers though 😕

[@bluelithium9808]

Mosf are commercials. Erin who's genuine gets cease and desist letters.

[@Blepherk]

idk, but british accents makes me believe them automatically

[@adotopp1865]

It doesn't matter. I wouldn't buy anything of any value based just on a KZbin channel review.

[@user-sw9dp5in9j]

So here's a question. Do I buy the new monoblocks or do I save up for a Rotel a11

[@AudioMasterclass]

What you're going to do is watch several reviews of the Fosi V3 Mono, several reviews of the Rotel A11, then probably just stick with what you have already.

[@stevenewtube]

I will watch/listen to your reviews as they are an intelligent and experienced perspective.

[@AudioMasterclass]

I do my best.

[@jondu-sud274]

This is a tricky one as I expect it would be easy to get around any set of rules, or just ignore them if you were that way inclined. I assume that any youtuber who is making more than one product review per week is likely to be receiving ’payment in kind’ one way or another and should declare so.

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

There are a few, hawking high end audio products, who have gotten downright rich by publishing flowery positive reviews of plain junk products. They're easy to spot... everything is the "next best thing" and none of it includes anything other than verbal descriptions of listening tests.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

@@Douglas_Blake_579CAM springs to mind.

[@r2d3vadar92]

Best way to increase the fidelity of your system is easy....get baked and everything sounds better. I caught on some time ago when I found some true audio engineers that dispelled the myths and then suddenly those fake reviews stick out like rodolph.

[@traildoggy]

True, most hi fi systems could benefit from a high quality vape.

[@johngore5127]

I've been at this "hobby" since the 70s when I started earning my own money. My system has had various upgrades since then. I've gotten it to the point where I don't see the point in spending any more money on it. I'm satisfied, and probably wouldn't hear that much change with better gear. And anyway, you get used to how it sounds after a while, and since I'm in my 60s and worked in noisy factories for over 15 years I'm sure my hearing isn't all that great anymore anyway. I guess my point is although I try to keep up with gear by viewing reviews I won't be buying anything anyway. I do it for the music and for fun.

[@scientificaudiophile]

True. The more glasses of wine I drink while reviewing equipment the better the sound gets.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

@@scientificaudiophileblack out drunk and some Diane Bish brings out the best in any audio system.

[@keanueraine]

When KZbinrs receive flights and hotel stays to "review/test" items then come back and don't have that banner it really irks me. This bestest ever item is now Sus every time I see those video. A certain KZbin streaming company gets an all expense paid trip to test paint and I call them out on it in their comments and then get told that because I don't post videos myself to go pound sand, well they lost a Sub and made me very wary of other KZbinrs. Your video sir was very classy in calling out such behavior out. Bravo.

[@enricoself2256]

KZbin should have various levels of “paid promotion” warnings: though the reviewers will anyway be a bit biased (“if i talk too bad of an item they will not send me anything more) there is clearly a difference between a a) loan, b) a freebie c) being paid for the review.

[@AudioMasterclass]

Worrying about being sent more stuff is not an issue. Today I turned down a haul of ladies clothing. Too narrow in the waist for me.

[@paulmcdonough9595]

Here’s a thing, if anyone sends you a bikini to review, I’ll pay you not to wear it😂 Please do keep up with the audio equipment reviews

[@AudioMasterclass]

Don't worry, I'll not wear it for free.

[@paulmcdonough9595]

Phew!

[@albiepalbie5040]

Love and Passion for all things audio is one thing But : It’s a big effort and probably eventually a massive hassle making reviews Why would anyone be doing for nothing ? If your good / people like you I hope you do well

[@LSib32]

I'm now afraid to search "bikini haul" and forever compromise my search history algorithm suggestions

[@marcusbrsp]

If skimpy KZbin reviewers can be dirty about their income, imagine the politicians...

[@deanokay666]

I unsubscribed from the “the cheap guy” reviewer as I suspect he sold out to the manufacturers.

[@ShazeemKhan]

I did too, never demos any of his items :(

[@stonefree1911]

Yeah, I have veered away from several channels that have clearly succumbed to the "bought" type of channel (a certain cheap audio guy comes to mind). Some seem just fine, but you can tell when a tuber has "turned"...

[@keanueraine]

I noticed that too about said guy.

[@scientificaudiophile]

I have no clue who you’re talking about.

[@stonefree1911]

@@scientificaudiophile "cheapaudioman". I wrestle a bit with Randy, the maker, as I think he means well and started out strong, but really became a bit of a slave to his sponsors. A lot of hyperbole and, seemimgly, favoritism to certain brands. I do think Randy is a good guy tho...

[@tikilord66]

@@stonefree1911 More then a bit. Use to like him but lost interest when he got on the Emotiva Geshelli train.

[@keanueraine]

@@stonefree1911 I feel the same way about his channel. However I still like to watch him as I do learn stuff him. He can get a bit nerdy sometimes and I dig that.

[@davidkclayton]

Would you entertain the thought of reviewing a prototype preamp?

[@AudioMasterclass]

I'm not going to rule it out but my feeling as of now is that it would be a different thing to a regular review, probably more of an exploration.

[@davidkclayton]

@@AudioMasterclass That's a fair answer.😏

[@bottomendbliss]

Just thank you for this video greetings

[@gdubyadubya8961]

Answer? Mostly no. Some start out with good intentions I’m sure as maybe a “ cheap audio ………man !” then the lure of the click bait $ takes over. It’s good to see a no BS opinion.

[@davidspendlove5900]

Listening to the equipment at home with your other kit in your room with your ears and tastes is the only thing that matters.

[@tam8197]

Payola is as old as the hills, or pop music at least.

[@nickmoranis2865]

Never quibble! Quibbling is quibble for quibble’s sake.

[@user-jj7uy1ns5f]

Excellent

[@user-nt7wz5cd4h]

Anytime a reviewer is doing a video I already assume they got the item for free, unless they say differently in the video. Having said that, I have no idea if they are also getting additional payment, although a few reviewers also make that clear at the start of the video. They usually claim this will have no effect on their review, however the longer a relationship with a reviewer and company is, it would only be natural for the the reviewer to give a long time supporter a pass on some things that should be red flagged. Bottom line, always take a review with a "Grain of Salt".

[@ShimonLevi7]

I want the numbers "Measurements" the rest is just subjective fluff. Most reviewers do not take any measurements themself, they copy paste the manufacturers datasheet, (we all know how accurate those are) and repeat the sales pitch of the manufacturers. If there are no solid measurements and data I will not watch or read the review as it cannot be trusted.

[@AudioMasterclass]

Measurements are nice, but it takes a good test set to do well. My KZbin ads won't support that kind of expense. However, my view is that although specifications are important, there's also a lot to be said about features, functionality and the all-round experience. Many reviewers, but not me, attempt to describe the sound of the equipment, which some viewers may find interesting and perhaps useful.

[@ShimonLevi7]

@@AudioMasterclass I agree that taking these kinds of measurements takes expensive equipment, time, and knowledge, and yes, features and functionality are indeed important. But let me give you an example: if I were in need of a new set of studio mixing speakers, I would want them to be as neutral as possible, and to make sure that my own ears wouldn't play tricks on me (or the product sheet / reviewer), I would value measurements more than subjective terms or a set of features and functionality, my choice would be based on the measurements, the rest is a bonus. P.S. Great channel I like your content, kudos!

[@AudioMasterclass]

@ShimonLevi7 My ‘go to’ for speakers is the waterfall chart. But there are so many possible dimensions to the sound of a speaker I doubt if it can ever be fully enumerated.

[@THXUK]

KZbin should definitely notify the audience where products have been received for free by the reviewer AND where there is NO expectation that the item will be returned after being reviewed. This is just basic transparency. Frankly, I didn't know this was a thing for fairly expensive tech and HiFi products - I thought review samples were sent out by the distributor / manufacturer and that they EXPECTED the item to be returned fairly promptly once the review was complete. If the item is very low value and the cost of shipping is almost as much as the item value, then I wouldn't object for the reviewer to keep / discard or give away (but not sell) the item. Anybody who works for a company is OBLIGATED to declare any "benefits in kind" (bottles of wine, meals, theatre tickets, go-karting etc.) when this has been provided for free by a supplier or would-be supplier - I don't see why the rules should be any different for KZbin content creators.

[@imqqmi]

I always take it with a grain of salt, I never base my purchases on a single source. If something piques my interest I usually search a few forums about it, which is also subjective but they are not incentivized to lie about it or not tell the whole story. The above goes for technical stuff like PC components and the like. But audio stuff is even more subjective, and more deeply ingrained with snake oil. I watch a lot of speaker reviews or improvement videos. Not to buy them or upgrades but to learn from them. I build my own speakers so I know exactly what goes into them, are tuned to my tastes and no money is wasted on things I don't care about. And I really enjoy the whole process of building speakers.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

The only reviewer I fully trust is Erin, from Erin’s corner.

[@imqqmi]

@@AndiGomez-yu2dx Sure. Still, it's better to not blindly trust him or anyone either, always stay critical and use multiple sources.

[@jimhines5145]

Very informative indeed. I would love to create a channel for my adorable, beautiful and unique wife. lol. She makes me laugh always, and would make everyone else laugh too. She is really creative with editing and FB even ask her twice to make some of her videos public (for money) because of the number of private views. She refused. It's gonna be a hard sell. I would love personally doing equipment tear down and repair videos, but those would never be popular. :D

[@nebojsanestorovic1416]

During the 70s, 80s etc there used to be at least half a dozen Hi Fi monthly magazines, which some of us fools (myself included) would religiously buy every month, we would many a time question our proposed buying and upgrade decesions based on the "Review Gods" that contributed to them, later in life we would start to trust our own hearing based on our experience, which saved us a fortune in so called upgrades. Although youtube videos do provide entertainment and amusement for many, along with some material gain for their makers, I think we should still regard them as an entertaining show, rather than a decesion making tool.

[@scottlowell493]

The other thing about reviews: Imagine you are a big fan of EDM or extreme metal. They almost never play that music. So what happens when you get these speakers? They break up or sound awful because they can't handle quick bass beats or more bass heavy material.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

This is incredibly true and something that is rarely mentioned. Slow jazz can sound good on pretty much any speakers, but once you start pushing a pair of speakers with hard and fast beats,, they completely lose their composure and sound like crap

[@scottlowell493]

@@AndiGomez-yu2dx I found expensive speakers like Sonus Faber and full range fostex sound horrible on EDM and metal.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

@@scottlowell493 that’s interesting. Do you have any recommendations of speakers that do sound good with EDM. I DJ trance music, and always on the look out for a potential upgrade for my DJ set up.

[@scottlowell493]

@@AndiGomez-yu2dx I never recommend. People have to listen for themselves.

[@phildavis3105]

It’s always suspicious when some aspect of the hobby suddenly is the simultaneous hot topic among presumably diverse reviewers. For example, cheap amps (1000 watts! 50 bucks!); multiple subwoofers (are two enough? Six too many?); and CABLES! DACS! POWER COMDITIONERS! Ad nausea. The inescapable conclusion is to buy the cheapest amps available and to surround them with the most expensive bangles money can buy.

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

I just want to point out one additional thing .... As consumers we do not owe these companies a profit. At most we owe them the retail price. If a company is scamming consumers or producing a bad product they deserve to fail.

[@supercompooper]

There was this magazine, absolute sound, with a picture of the Magna Pan 30.7, saying it was speaker of the year. I ordered one, and it took more than one year and I still did not get it. After more than one year they said I couldn't have it in the color I ordered, which was the color on the magazine. Never listen to a magazine review and also never buy a magnapan loudspeaker. Those two companies are just filthy filthy filthy filthy filthy filthy filthy liars.

[@karmicmessenger]

I've decided that if it feels like an infomercial that is most likely what it is. Anyway if a person is too lazy to research and learn they deserve what they've bought.

[@daleboylen6427]

To me, it doesn't matter if the reviews are genuine. The vast majority of "KZbin audio reviewers" are totally inept when it comes to actual audio knowledge, design. Anyone who listens to some of these guys and follows their pathetic advice will end up broke and probably listening to a pair of ear buds and streaming Spotify over their cell phones. Some of these "reviewers", I won't mention names, are actually dangerous in my opinion.

[@scientificaudiophile]

Can you explain to me how someone goes broke listening to ear buds on their phone and streaming Spotify?

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

@@scientificaudiophile Do some searching in the online vendors... You will find earbuds over $500 Dongle Dacs that get over $1500 Amplifiers that cross $1000 Phones easily get over $2,000 Yes, you can spend over $5000 for a pair of earbuds and a phone. Where there is audio... there is snake oil.

[@daleboylen6427]

@@scientificaudiophile Sure. They buy "Best speaker under $200.00" then the next "best speaker under $200.00" then the "Best speaker under $500.00".Lather rinse repeat. Then they try amplifiers. Clueless how to PROPERLY assemble an audio system. I seen it 1,000 times when I sold high end audio.

[@daleboylen6427]

@@scientificaudiophile Eventually they grow weary of audio in general and settle for a Bose wave radio or ear buds on spotify via a phone.

[@scientificaudiophile]

@@daleboylen6427 good points!

[@chaoticsystem2211]

thank you for your service! :D I'm offering to clean your house for free. It looks very neat already and maybe you can review one of those nice Vorwerk vacuum cleaners...

[@tonydelvecchio1431]

It sucks when trying to learn about a subject or hobby just turns into another marketing strategy by these companies. That’s the whole strategy with KZbin. The idea is to monetize your content so why wouldn’t you take the product or kickback. Every reviewer stresses how important their integrity is but the line between honesty and profit is kinda blurry these days.

[@CarlVanDoren]

You'd luv ❤️ my setup 😊 Expensive, but top notch 👌

[@carlsitler9071]

My take is that most reviewers are fair although some are overly positive. A reviewer who says a product is bad (because it doesn't meet his preferences) can have devastating financial repercussions for the manufacturer.

[@r423sdex]

Most talk complete bs. They show nothing about performance.

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

@@r423sdex Correction ... "they _know_ nothing about performance." Audio is a highly technical field. You cannot honestly review a product without at least examining the specs.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

@@r423sdexthat’s right they talk absolute BS. They’re nothing more than social media influencers with zero technical backgrounds.

[@hartyewh1]

A reviewer being honest is not even half the story since they need to have a sensible approach and the skill to communicate it to be of any use. Not many have all three elements.

[@zavatone]

ANY channel that uses useless (and clickbaity) arrows in their thumbnails gets blocked by me because it is clear what their motivation is.

[@sudipchatterjee]

Paid promotion must be declared clearly to the viewer, otherwise it’s cheating.

[@razeredge-cm5wx]

Many fake reviewers like GoldenSound who also has a 15TB music server for paying Patreons to make profit while having ties to manufacturers.

[@scruffy8861]

Let's call them promoters, not reviewers. The fact that they love so much product indicates a lack of discernment and a reason to pay little mind to what they say.

[@Rob1972Gem]

To be honest I take most hi-fi reviews on KZbin with a very large pinch of salt and you can always tell when a particular new item to the market is being promoted on KZbin because pretty much bloody everybody will be reviewing the same piece of equipment within a reasonably short time period so will be honest and let you know that they have been given it for review so will not as you mention in this video but I really think the majority of the general public are not as stupid as KZbinrs think they are we know when we’re being sold a potential fabrication or an exaggeration of a product. There are a small percentage of people which just do not see the obvious and will believe anything they are told when people normally can’t help in any form of life choices but you can tell a lot of the hi-fi reviews are very heavily biased towards the positive purely because nobody hardly ever mentions any negative problems or downsides which is quite common in pretty much every product I always use you to reviews as a way to see what the product looks like. See what sort of feature set and specifications it’s allegedly has and use that as a basis then go do some research of my own and maybe hunt one down in the wild actually in a shop and look at it for real and have a listen to it. I will never ever go and spend hard cash on a product purely based on some person on you. You going? Yes this is the one because anybody that does that really shouldn’t be allowed on their own with money.

[@richh650]

I consider your channel to be one of the extremely VERY FEW on YT that actually have a background to be qualified to discuss audio!!! BTW, you happen to be fun & very entertaining as well...

[@jasonk5979]

I guess I don't really have too many issues with free stuff per say. The only thing is some manufacturers start not sending items after negative reviews. Now it's not the same as some people I have watched. Started shilling specific brands of expensive power cables for ahem (apple TV) and efficient class d amps saying it made them sound way better. I quit watching. It was obvious who was sponsering the videos.

[@dmccallie]

I wish you would “name names.” Who do you trust for reviews?

[@AudioMasterclass]

For me it isn’t really trust/don’t trust. More a matter of looking for insights. I’m a review watcher just as much as anyone else when I’m looking for video gear to make my videos. For my camera I watched *every* review in my price range.

[@r423sdex]

ASR and Erin audio.

[@dmccallie]

@@r423sdex I’m a big fan of both of those sites. Thanks!

[@fonkenful]

@@r423sdexRon at NRD is another of my go-tos. Randy at CAM has, I think, not only become a caricature of his former self, but demonstrates the dark side of the pernicious allure of sponsorship. There isn’t a bandwagon upon which some reviewers aren’t willing to jump at - to borrow a phrase I heard earlier today - “Fosi speed” - you know, six new models of mini amps based in the same chip this fiscal quarter.

[@stonefree1911]

@@fonkenful Yeah, Randy (CAM) started out strong but REALLY fell to the sponsors and brand favoritism. And hyperbole. I do think he is a good guy that lost his way...

[@artysanmobile]

The short answer to your query is: “some are.”

[@scottlowell493]

Carver audio was pretty blatant. They use to give reviewers stuff for free and called it "memo billing". Other are provided stuff for cost, and are allowed to re-sell for profit. It explains the massive amount of fraudulent Stereophile reviews, dating back to the Alon fiasco at least. (They originally gave a "C" rating to the expensive, but incompetent speakers, later, magically revised it to an "A".) iI's also why speakers like sonus faber lumina and some paradigm with obviously flawed tweeters are getting stellar reviews. And lets not forget the "measuring" reviewers like ASR and Erin.. The measurements only count for more budget gear, but when Topping or $7000 Dynaudio measure badly (and they do) "Oh, but they don't SOUND that way!" Trust no one.

[@sc0or]

A review without a sample sound is just a marketing. I don't watch such "reviews". I'm not at hi-end league, and purchased equipment basing on sample sounds, but I made no mistake after that. Any "excuses" that YT compression will ruine a sound is a bs. Yes, we cannot trust YT in that, but with a same compression algorithm, a comparison always works. I take one device sample, another device sample and mostly everything is clear.

[@MichelLinschoten]

In short no, if it's affiliated or supported by a third party (as most are these days) I wouldn't even bother , there is always a healthy dose of bias. After all this hobby, as any is subjected to emotional bias. In the end, it's the small insignificant channels I rather hang out at. Than the big Andrew , Jay, Steven guttenburg what not channels. That clearly are sell outs ...

[@denizekin80]

I think it's about time we call a spade a spade. An overwhelming majority of the "reviewers" are advertisers. Most review videos are infomercials, at best. Same brands reviewed by all reviewers in the same exact fashion. Even the so called "informational" videos like "different DAC topologies, do cables matter" are in fact reviewers pushing products. I work in retail and we frequently work with reviewers and influencers. The cost of the affiliate commissions hit my marketing budget. The cost of the samples (products sent with no expectation to return) hits the marketing budget. As far as brands are concerned, reviewers are advertisers. Even the shipping expenses hit, you guessed it, my marketing budget.I doubt that any company will spend a penny on advertising if there was a risk of receiving a negative review. They know it, you know it, we know it. The fact that reviewers feel the need to make these videos every once in a while is telling enough.

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

That’s right, they’re actually social media influencers, definitely not reviewers.

[@artysanmobile]

Yes, the dishonesty matters plenty, BUT, as I have no simple way to know, I make a judgement about the person, a right earned by my age and experience. I see bullshit from so far away I need to tuck a gardenia behind my ear just to retain a healthy appetite. So, are they lying to me? Yes. Are they fooling me? Almost certainly no. I’ve made a judgement about you, for example. Your humor and eloquence tell my experienced ear you are an honest player. I’d bet on you. 50 years tell me your attribute set is found exclusively on genuine people. It’s not that hard.

[@Zockopa]

There are very,very few real reviews nowdays. What nowadays is peddled as review is in the overwhelming majority just a opinion piece. Which was back in the day the final commentary of a review. So the de facto standart of a review today is one without the reviewing part......

[@tikilord66]

In other words commercial ?

[@Zockopa]

@@tikilord66 Often its a as "review" packaged advertisement. But this isnt new at all and in fact one of the oldest marketing tricks around: Get the costumer away from rational decision making.

[@Temperature980]

Just like the news these days. All opinions.

[@barlow2976]

Honesty pays. The audio channels I watch are produced by people who know what they are talking about, ie professionals. With the exception of S.G they are also all European. Frankly I've had my fill of loud gym-bunny Americans with printed t-shirts calling themselves audio specialists whilst a loud hum pervades their sound track. Bikinis you say? Perhaps you could do some shorts with the audio-girls doing a try-on. Phwoarrr!!!

[@AudioMasterclass]

I don't think that's going to happen. I still haven't been able to persuade Debbie to wear a t-shirt with my logo.

[@polarbear3427]

When you see appearing a lot of reviews at the same day on the same product, I assume that they received it for free. Usually comments are only positive, so they are rubbish.

[@AudioMasterclass]

This is not a problem. It’s the same as an embargo on a press release. Way the world works.

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

I look at KZbin reviewers as presenters. Show me the product and I'll make up my own mind.

[@AudioMasterclass]

You're suffering from the delusion that human beings make up their own minds.

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

@@AudioMasterclass I'm thinking we may have different kinds of minds. Good luck

[@PhoticSneezeOne]

In a purely profit driven economy i trust NO ONE!

[@EddyTeetree]

You sir though are not “every reviewer” of whom many do give positive reviews for free (especially Chinese made) products both supposedly hifi and not, as they want to keep receiving free products to keep or sell.

[@donjohnstone3707]

I'm still waiting for your video, "Electrical recording and playback, bad on so many levels".

[@AudioMasterclass]

I'll do that when we have something better.

[@orangecat5036]

It used tobe. Nowadays KZbin hifi reviewers are hit men.

[@jasonemanuel9070]

I never trust a single youtuber reviewer,they are just salesmen.

[@barlow2976]

Even when they advise against the product they are reviewing?

[@yctai6151]

Buyers beware. Wot's in it for me. Or, is it just entertainment? BBC is a state sponsored media?

[@clivesilver463]

So who are these You Tubers, any names offered.

[@AudioMasterclass]

Here's a fun game. Go look for yourself. It won't take long.

[@clivesilver463]

@@AudioMasterclass All the y tubers I follow seem genuine, so If you have names I would like to know, Matthew Robinson, A British Audiophile, audioalholics, Paul Mac Gowen cheapaudioman, I watch alll of these but all seem fine, so I'm I missing something or are there people you know to avoid.

[@AudioMasterclass]

@@clivesilver463 I could say just watch the video again, but I'll repeat that some KZbinrs are accepting products for free and not declaring it. Maybe they bought the item themself so that's OK, but if they were gifted the item they have to declare it. Many do not. I believe that this is mostly a misunderstanding of KZbin's terms, but KZbin states that if a reviewer received *anything * of value, they have to declare it.

[@clivesilver463]

@@AudioMasterclass Fair Point, but we will never know I just find that most do criticise the products not kiss the backside of the company, but yes if they are being sent stuff they they should declare it.

[@josefserf1926]

There are 1000s of amplifier reviews and yet hardly any of them explain how they work. Head to head reviews are better than puff pieces.

[@AudioMasterclass]

Eh wot? An amp takes a small input and turns it into a big output. I'll make sure to put that into all my amp reviews in future.

[@davelistenstohifi]

The reviewer who openly admits to competing with other reviewers is calling out reviewers for dishonesty and unfair advantage. Hmmmm who to trust...im sure this guy is on the up and up, but it still doesn't make for a very convincing argument.

[@TD05SSLegacy]

What about reviewers that send back items? They are in ‘the industry’ and or by proximity over the years go to events, dinners, meetings, presentations. People that know everybody and get sent the choicest stuff due to industry relationships. Guys like Steve G. who never has written a bad review in his life. What about that? You’re a codger how about owning up to who you know and how they influence you? We won’t hold it against you. The British Audiophile trades on this. So do many others. It’s part and parcel of being a ‘trade journalist’ i.e. influencer. I think you need to film an addendum to this if you really want to ‘come clean.’ And then again why? This is free content and what you’re doing is just shopping. And we get to watch. Lucky us. I don’t think you’re taking yourself too seriously. But don’t start either. 😊

[@AudioMasterclass]

Codger says no thank you.

[@zavatone]

No. They are not.

[@Rue_Madora]

We all know what this gig is all about, I think that most of us lean toward reviewers that we perceive to have similar taste. I enjoy a lot of different takes on this stuff, and like to keep up, this is the golden era of high fidelity. The cost of entry is so low, one tenth of what it was 30 years ago, back in the day, all your mistakes cost well over 500 quid.

[@EricIolo]

We just would not know! You could be Dodgy Dave? Who's to tell! Believing there are credible reviews on here is similar to purchasing item from Flee Bay. Its something you dont do if you have an ounce of sence.

[@AudioMasterclass]

Or I could be Dependable David. Dependable enough to declare when I got the item I'm reviewing for free. Some others, not so much.

[@stevesmith3033]

Most of these reviewers have no qualifications. They seem to know nothing about what instruments actually sound like nor do they seem to know anything about the recording gear and studios that where the music was made. So they safely throw around the same generic, vague, broad audiophile lingo so that they primarily can continue making new content and not offend the manufacturers that are sending them gear to be reviewed. All this to provide essentially meaningless content that provides no guidance to the consumer to actually making purchases that will bring a rewarding musical experience to the home.

[@sounddoctor5decades]

reviews are meaningless anyway, Audio products are totally subjective and everyone perceives the sound differently, telling someone what the sound is, is only that persons opinion. Way too many folks in You Tube telling what "the Best" is, just a bunch of CRAP. Thats like telling someone this is the set of glasses you must use, just because they work for you. This from someone who has been involved in the industry going back to the days of 4 track cartridges, that was before 8 track and right after Norelco launched the compact cassette as a dictating platform. It's unfortunate that most of the independent Hi Fi stores no longer exist so you can actually go listen for yourself, and through consolidation, very few autonomous Audio companies exist anymore.

[@georgebliss964]

Too many shysters masquerading as independent reviewers.

[@AudioMasterclass]

Shh, we’re masquerading as KZbinrs. Tell no-one.