I am also new around here. I have been a long time reader of several different audio magazines, Stereophile included. I enjoy the read. However, I do not take their word as gospel. I don't think anyone should. I agree that their opinions could be used as a guide if you are looking for equipment in a certain category and price range, but ultimately, any purchase decision needs to be made on how you feel about the products sound. Not what anyone else says. I do not feel Stereophile is completely slanted toward positive reviews. I have seen much more less than positive reviews, especially lately. Lets not forget that the gear they review is very high priced in most cases and usually gear in that price range is well engineered and should sound good! I would like to see more affordable, every mans gear reviewed more often, not only by Stereophile, but most of the other big name mags also. And I love to see affordable gear get good press!