Paying for speaker reviews?

[TypeA]

Hi all.

Ive been researching a new 7.2 home theater speaker package. Most all speaker manufactures have, what I consider to be, 'pro' reviews from the likes of sound and vision, home theater magazine, audiophile, ect ect ect. However Bic acoustictech speakers have none of that (save an obscure review by an unknown PHD from 2004). Called their sole distributor today to ask, for a speaker package that can NOT be evaluated in any store front, why there are ZERO pro reviews after being in business for six years. I was promptly informed that other manufactures PAY for these reviews, that I was incorrect in believing that manufactures simply submit their speakers, free of charge, for evaluation and bench marking by these well-know magazines and review sources. Sure, there are lots of "user reviews" for these speakers (all positive btw) but I also know anyone can register and put whatever they want. So, is this true, do manufactures PAY for these reviews from main stream reviewers?

 

[markw]

Basically the same thing I satold you at AR.

Not that I'm aware of. They may provide the product to be reviewed and, hopefully, it's returned by reputable firms, but that's about it.

Look into Infinity Primus for another option. They're getting good press from owners today, not four years ago.

But, I do believe that the "professional" reviews here are done with consumer equipment purchased on the open market.

If that's what BIC told you, i lost a lot of respect for them.

 

[TypeA]

Not that I'm aware of. They may provide the product to be reviewed and, hopefully, it's returned by reputable firms, but that's about it.

Look into Infinity Primus for another option. They're getting good press from owners today, not four years ago.

But, I do believe that the "professional" reviews here are done with consumer equipment purchased on the open market.

If that's what BIC told you, i lost a lot of respect for them.

Thanks. No, it was a really gruff distributor that told me this, not bic...he said I was being all negative and talking myself out of these speakers. Guess I probably shouldnt have called him and just asked around instead. Its tough when you have to research speakers exclusively over the net and driving to hear them is a pain based on my isolated town and limited time. Good news is Im replacing a Bose 901 301 vcs100 package so just about anything in the $1200 range for 7.1 will crush such a weak system, lmao. Thanks for the infinity lead too.

 

[mpompey]

Also take a look at Klipsch, Axiom and B&W for speakers. Any distributor that talks gruff or tries to force you one way, is one to stay away from. If you are going to spending your hard earned money, you deserve someone respectable enough to give you unbiased reviews and information you can verify.

With that said, I have heard of manufacturers that will write a 'review' and have staff post this information. AVS forums, Audioholics, and HomeTheatre Shack are reputable sites.