[fiveoclockfriday]

Have you guys seen the sonic circle that SonicFlare is using now? http://www.sonicflare.com/archives/sonicflares-sonic-circle.php It's certainly an interesting idea; a way to put sounds and tone on a semi-objective, comparison map. I look forward to seeing some of their reviews using it. Is it perfect? No. Will people whine about specifics? Certainly. But, it's a good step forward in my opinion.

What are your thoughts?

[launche]

I like it, and especially with the direction they seem to be headed in it makes perfect sense.  Definitely nice to have fresh perspectives and different viewpoints, who wants to have all the mags and ezines repeating the same song and dance.  No system or criteria for evaluation is perfect but at least have it be concise and purposeful.

[fiveoclockfriday]

Launche,
I agree with you; it's not going to be perfect, but I think it's great to start to have a benchmark or at least consistent criteria. I don't know how many times I've read a review that quoted a component to be "buttery", and I just had no idea what that could mean. This also helps evaluate which components to consider. For example, if I'm looking for a tighter, deeper sound with my Hornshoppe Horns, I know that they fall under a certain category, so I find a different category to hopefully complement them; more accurate or vivid, etc.

[TONEPUB]

I think it's a good step as well.  I'm tired of seeing product shootouts.
Though I agree it will have to apply itself to specific product reviews.

Just walking around RMAF and judging components by how they sound
in a hotel room isn't really terribly accurate.

But it's a great idea!

[Josh Ray]

Hey guys,

Josh from SonicFlare here.

Glad you like the Sonic Circle!  Yup, it's not perfect, but what in hi-fi is?  Well, Brilliant Pebbles are class-leading, but other than that...

The Sonic Circle concept is a tool for people to quickly understand the product's basic sound and strengths and how, most importantly, to use it in a system. 

And Jeff, I totally agree -- shootouts are worthless.  And comparing Fostex speakers to traditional American speakers?  Come on now...

If you guys have any suggestions about how to improve the circle, I'm all ears.  And, yes, keep an eye out for new content at SonicFlare -- we have some fun things in the works