Wiardgroup

> I'm sure that someone with
> his intellgence and integrity stated the criteria for his review and rating.
> I think that most reviewers fail to do this, though.
Good point. I hadn't really thought about ratings criteria other than my
own. I  guess it's all down to personal opinion anyway, I wouldn't presume
to question the reviewers integrity. I guess I'm questioning the validity of
reviews although I think I probably put too much store by them myself. Crazy
as it sounds, it's not always possible to try a product before buying it.
>I would agree
> with the overall 3.5 rating.  This indicates to me a specialized product that
> is beyond simply good
It indicates .5 of a mark above average (or adequate) in my book.
This gets to the heart of the matter. Do you knock off 1.5 points because
something is complicated or takes a bit of patience to get started on.
Maybe you do which is fair enough.
> I'm curious - why would you give it a 4?  As mentioned above, in what context
> are you giving your rating?>
My primary criteria would be quality of build and quality of sound. Then it
would be up to the individual to decide whether the Wiard would be a useful
addition to their studio based on the text of the review. Using your
criteria things like JV5080's and Akai S6000's would always get higher
marks.
In my experience Sound On Sound (which you go on to mention) rate virtually
everything as very good. When they are truly impressed with something they
give it full marks, if they have serious misgivings they rate 3 or below.
Apart from sample CD's they have usually reserved these marks for things
like the Waldorf Q which was released before it was 'finished' (in their
opinion).
>When compared to other modular synths, Wiard definitely
> rates a 5.  However, to a beginning musician Wiard is probably worth a 1.
Would a beginner spend $400 - 500 on individual modules?
Does the 3.5 rating have to take into account 'beginners' or "boy band
producers"?
> I would like to suggest you pick up a copy of Sound
> On Sound:
> www.sospubs.co.uk
I get it every month.
> I'm sure you'll find that the journalistic integrity (i.e. not influenced by
> advertising monies), the depth of the reviews in realistic scenarios,
Well I disagree completely. Particularly  reviews of sample CD's often
suggest that they are not testing samples in a musical context. I shouldn't
drag on about SOS as it isn't really relevant. My question is:
Would the Wiard system have rated a 3.5 if it had been a new line by Roland
or Big Briar even? I don't know the answer but I could see a scenario where
those companies would have been praised for innovation and for pushing the
boundaries of synthesis.
 I'd be very interested to read the EM review as I'm currently contemplating
a Wiard purchase. Not sure if I can get it in London though.