[downsize]

Although everyone hears things somewhat differently, and tastes are varied, I think everyone would agree that ALL products have certain sonic sound signatures inherant to themselves.
I bet if we had a sticky that best describes a certain brand of headphone's certain sonic signature, we'd get a LOT less "How do these sound" threads. Plus it would be a great resource for newbie buyers to start their search off right.
For example " Most Westone headphones have a warm character with forward mids, deep bass and, wide but shallow soundstage" ... This is JUST an example, and one that I have NO CLUE if it is correct or not.

 

[MrGreen]

Impossible due to acclimatisation, taste, difference in hearing.

eg. some people think the HD650 is neutral.

To me it sounds way way way far off neutral.

 

[Palpatine]

Plus there are models within each manufacturer line that sound drastically different from each other...

 

[thechungster]

Agreed with the above. Let's say Sennheiser is "Dark" but then you look at the HD800 and it doesn't follow this typical signature. Same thing with Grados (Let's say RS1 and GS1000).

 

[downsize]

I thought this is what I would hear from experienced headphone users in the know. Let me propose another one then ... We need a sub-forum that is simply called REVIEWS. It would be simply great if it were then further divided into manufacturer catagories. THIS would be a great improvement to what is already a fantastic website !

 

[Uncle Erik]

Your first idea won't work. Your second idea would.

Over at Badger & Blade (which runs basically the same software as Head-Fi) they have ratings software where you can score items from 1-10 on various attributes and write a review.

It's pretty slick and every time I go through the reviews there I can't help but think how useful the same system would be at Head-Fi. Since I know Jude and the rest of the crew aren't all that busy (

), a similar system would make a fine addition with a future update.

 

[Palpatine]

Love that idea! Let's hope it happens here!

 

[iHelp]

I thought of that too.... nice idea!
Quote:

Originally Posted by downsize /img/forum/go_quote.gif I thought this is what I would hear from experienced headphone users in the know. Let me propose another one then ... We need a sub-forum that is simply called REVIEWS. It would be simply great if it were then further divided into manufacturer catagories. THIS would be a great improvement to what is already a fantastic website !

 

[TheBigCW]

Reviews forum is a nice idea.


Idea in the first post = no, no, no, never, absolutely not

 

[sampson_smith]

How about a review section where cans get a numerical score based on various attributes? These are then averaged to give an overall score for the headphone in the review, and then, for like reviews covering the same model, an overall average is taken to give a general score. Basically like what Metacritic does with music and movies, but with various Head-fi gear.

 

[downsize]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sampson_smith /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about a review section where cans get a numerical score based on various attributes? These are then averaged to give an overall score for the headphone in the review, and then, for like reviews covering the same model, an overall average is taken to give a general score. Basically like what Metacritic does with music and movies, but with various Head-fi gear.

This is even a better extension of my idea. That would make it MUCH easier for people like myself : Zero listening expeience, but wanting to purchase.

 

[sampson_smith]

Thanks! But can it be done? Pun intended.

 

[Asr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sampson_smith /img/forum/go_quote.gif How about a review section where cans get a numerical score based on various attributes? These are then averaged to give an overall score for the headphone in the review, and then, for like reviews covering the same model, an overall average is taken to give a general score. Basically like what Metacritic does with music and movies, but with various Head-fi gear.

Something like that already exists: Headphone Reviews :: Headphone Review System

Not just anyone will get their reviews printed though, which is good - it separates the inexperienced people from those who actually are experienced with multiple headphones. No offense but inexperienced people writing reviews doesn't really contribute anything valuable and the (human) filter system on HeadphoneReviews.org is a good one.

 

[downsize]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Something like that already exists: Headphone Reviews :: Headphone Review System Not just anyone will get their reviews printed though, which is good - it separates the inexperienced people from those who actually are experienced with multiple headphones. No offense but inexperienced people writing reviews doesn't really contribute anything valuable and the (human) filter system on HeadphoneReviews.org is a good one.

Perfectly agreed. Only people who have a desire to be unbiased, and who have a depth of experience should post reviews.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sampson_smith /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks! But can it be done? Pun intended.

Yes, I think there is a module for Head-Fi's software that can do it.

Go visit Badger and Blade and click on their "Reviews" button on the toolbar.

This will take you to a reviews section where members can rate products 0-10 on definable categories, add photos, comments, etc. The same could absolutely be done here.

It would be some work to install and someone would probably have to moderate the comments. But I think it would be hugely useful. You could comb through reviews without having to scan 40 or 50 threads and hundreds of pages to draw information out.

I think it would be the most helpful addition that could be made here. Of course, the software will probably cost money, the installation would take time and money, and someone would have to police the reviews to tamp out flamewars and bag the occasional shill.