I have noticed over the years of reading high end journals (Stereophile and TAS since 89) that many seem to have brands they favor. They tend to review certain brands of equipment.
Now to me there is a plus and minus here. On the positive side, a reviewer who is somewhat specialized in a brand has more familiarity with the offering and perhaps better access to the mfr for the skinny on new technology and features. It may also allow them insights into the sound evolution of the component under review, including any changes/improvements from past sound signatures.
On the minus side, it seems that one may become blinkered to other high quality brands and/or be influenced by friendships with the mfr.
Let's face it, this is a niche hobby and the community is very small.
Is an audio reviewer's "specialization" on some core brands a good or bad thing? What do you think?
Now to me there is a plus and minus here. On the positive side, a reviewer who is somewhat specialized in a brand has more familiarity with the offering and perhaps better access to the mfr for the skinny on new technology and features. It may also allow them insights into the sound evolution of the component under review, including any changes/improvements from past sound signatures.
On the minus side, it seems that one may become blinkered to other high quality brands and/or be influenced by friendships with the mfr.
Let's face it, this is a niche hobby and the community is very small.
Is an audio reviewer's "specialization" on some core brands a good or bad thing? What do you think?