WaveTheory
100+ Head-Fier
I use the opening segment of every video to talk about how I sourced the unit at hand. If it's a loan from a manufacturer, retailer, or private individual, I say so. If I know I get to keep it before I film the review (I don't always) I say that too. If I buy it, I say so. To me the key is transparency. I don't think any of those acquisition methods are automatic causes of conflicts of interest, though they can be. Reporting them helps the viewer frame what follows. If you have a better way for such information to be delivered, I'm all ears. But, for me, it is really about being as honest and straightforward as I can be.The thing is, he deemed the MJ3 solid at its price point which is fine sure, and maybe that’s truly what he’s hearing. It’s just that when you factor in what the majority of reviewers are saying along with the fact that he felt the need to mention purchasing the MJ out of his pocket, it all becomes a bit too much.
And as a side note, contributing to my 'contrarian' label is the fact that I am consciously extra careful when I evaluate something that is loaned or given to me by a manufacturer or retailer to make sure that I'm not a commercial maker; that I'm essentially doing audio journalism. We can quibble about the results, but I assure you that is 100% the goal.