Not too many years ago I had to write product reviews for local and regional magazines. It was a lousy job. There were certain rules that had to be followed or you would quickly find yourself out of a job.
Rule #1 was easy to follow. The review had to be a product that was manufactured by an advertiser.
Rule #2 was a bit more difficult. We were not allowed to write anything derogatory about the product--only positive features. If there were any negative features, they were to be ignored.
Consequently, there were times that I refused to write a product review on certain products--they were just lousy products, therefore I didn't write anything at all. Kinda' like my parents always said to me when I was a little kid "If you can't say something nice about someone--don't say anything at all!"
Was the T4 review unbiased? Not likely. Was it honest? Probably.
Keep in mind that you cannot write an honest review of a product that you have never seen, touched or used--it's just not possible. Sure, you can look at all the technical specifications, promoted features and draw some minor conclusions, but you CANNOT write an honest review without actually exploring the machine.
Therefore, when Frank gets one in his store that I can see, touch, hear and play I review it in his store, make an assessment in my aging brain, and do one of two things. I'll either thank him for allowing me to take a test drive and go home. Or, I'll thank him for allowing me to take a test drive, and write him a check and take the keyboard home.
I've never been a big fan of demos because they are usually done by individuals that are extremely talented and know the product inside and out. Demos give you an idea what can be accomplished in the hands of a highly skilled individual, but what I, and most other consumers, need to determine is what WE are capable of doing with the product.
Keep us posted Frank. Audioworks is just 6 to 7 hours drive time for me--a worthwhile trip for a purchase of this magnitude.
Cheers,
Gary
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