who's opinion do you trust more

[dtowntke]

Simple question, who's opinion do you trust more cnet's or consumer reports ?

[HDTV1080P]

When it comes to video and audio I prefer Ultimate A/V magazine, Home Theater magazine, Widescreen review, and various other publications. CNET goes into much more detail then consumer reports when it comes to video and audio electronics. I never like consumer reports since they do not go into the level of detail I am looking for.

[quexos]

I usually don't trust just one source for any kind of info as I usually look around for confirmation of the desired info. In my experience people tend to mix "info" and "opinion". Now don't get me wrong, both are important and useful until one is delivered under the label of the other

[groovyone]

I read cnet to get an idea of features but usually only give the review slight consideration. I don't like Consumer Reports much at all. Not that I need my opinion validated, but they have disliked most of my choices.

They didn't like my car because it was small and too noisy. It is a 2003 Cobra. haha

[quexos]

Originally Posted by groovyone

They didn't like my car because it was small and too noisy. It is a 2003 Cobra. haha

Well in this example what matters is to know whether theirs is an opinion or an objective information. So having the experience of that car, what do you say ? is it really too noisy ?

[jsteinhauer]

Consumer Reports is exactly what it says it is. It reviews for the average "consumer". An aficionado of anything should not regard the opinion of CR, whether it be electronics, ketchup, beer, wine or automobiles. I respect their opinion when it comes to items like vacuum cleaners, washers and dryers and refrigerators. These types of items serve a specific function that can be evaluated objectively, whereas my needs and desires in audio/video, PC's, mobile phones and adult beverages are much too subjective to fall within the scope of their reviews.

[cravnsn]

My own

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by quexos

Well in this example what matters is to know whether theirs is an opinion or an objective information. So having the experience of that car, what do you say ? is it really too noisy ?

I guess my point was they didn't consider the intent of the car. They gave it lower ratings because it was not Camry like, never mind the performance. As for the noise, I made it louder with 2 1/2 exhaust with high flow cats, X-pipe and 4" tips.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

Consumer Reports is exactly what it says it is. It reviews for the average "consumer". An aficionado of anything should not regard the opinion of CR, whether it be electronics, ketchup, beer, wine or automobiles. I respect their opinion when it comes to items like vacuum cleaners, washers and dryers and refrigerators. These types of items serve a specific function that can be evaluated objectively, whereas my needs and desires in audio/video, PC's, mobile phones and adult beverages are much too subjective to fall within the scope of their reviews.

I'd say that hits it right on the head. If you want AV reviews, find a good AV specialized source, like the one HDTV1080p recommended.

[Clark Kent]

Ignore Consumer Reports for electronics. They target their recommendations at a typical clueless customer who doesn't know the first thing about a/v equipment (think elderly grandmother).

[Wingman1977]

Trust no one.

[Forrestandjen07]

Cnet 1st

Then actual user reviews second