Honest Audiophile Review Process

dbstechtalk
Sep 22, 2023
5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

I’m often asked how I review products:

Do I use specific music?

Do I burn in gear?

Do I measure anything?

Do I follow a set routine?

The short answer is yes — I follow the same structured process for every product I review. Years ago, I posted a video walking through my method (cringe warning… it’s an old one): https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc?si=39ZEn41-Uf5O7By2

Since then, the core of my process has stayed the same, but I’ve refined and adjusted the details over time. This updated breakdown reflects how I work today.

Below is the step‑by‑step Honest Audiophile review process.

1. Research & Preparation

Before a product ever arrives, I keep an eye on what’s happening in the audio world. I browse forums, websites, and YouTube to see what’s being discussed, what’s being hyped, and what the community is curious about.

I don’t read impressions or reviews of gear I’m currently evaluating or planning to review — I want my opinions to form naturally, without outside influence.

This stage is simply about staying aware of trends and conversations.

2. Gear Arrival & Communication

Manufacturers, vendors, and viewers reach out through email and social media with review requests or topic suggestions.

A few important notes about this stage:

I decline all paid reviews — no sponsored videos, no paid posts.
Affiliate links do not influence what I choose to review.
I select gear based on my own interest and what I believe my audience wants to see.
All content decisions are 100% my own.

Once I agree to review a product (loaned, gifted, or purchased), I give an estimated timeline and keep the sender updated.

3. Unboxing

When the gear arrives, I document everything:

Photos of the packaging
Photos of the contents
Notes on condition or missing items

This protects everyone involved and helps me repackage loaner units correctly.

Sometimes I share unboxing photos on social media, sometimes I don’t — it depends on the moment.

4. First Listen & First Impressions

My first listen always uses a consistent reference chain:

Mytek Liberty DAC II
Mytek Liberty THX HPA
Audeze LCD‑5 as my reference headphone
Westone Mach 60 for dongle testing

If the product is a standalone DAC or amp, I pair it accordingly.

I pick a random track in Audirvana Studio and listen for 10–15 minutes (sometimes more, sometimes less). These impressions may be shared privately with Discord members or close friends, but not always.

During this stage, I avoid other reviews or opinions entirely.

5. Burn-In/Break-In

Yes — I burn in gear. Not because I’m convinced it always changes the sound, but because consistency matters.

My burn‑in routine:

~8 hours per day
Random music
65–75 dB listening volume
40–55 hours total
Occasional check‑ins to ensure nothing is wrong

Loaner units with significant prior use may skip this step. If I hear no changes, I may shorten the process; if I suspect it needs more time, I may extend it.

6. The Listening Process

After burn‑in, the real evaluation begins.

I rotate through playlists focused on:

Bass
Midrange
Treble
Tone
Timbre
Soundstage
Dynamics
Imaging

I test:

Stock tips, pads, and cables
Third‑party accessories (noted in the review if used)
Multiple sources and pairings

This stage usually lasts 2–3 weeks, depending on the product.

7. Final Listening Process/Comparisons

Once I understand the product’s character, I move into final evaluation:

Reference tracks across all my sources
Direct comparisons with similar gear
Notes on strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance

I write my final thoughts on paper — these become the backbone of the review.

8. Recording the Review

I typically record early in the morning (around 4 a.m.) or late at night.

My process:

Gather specs
Set up recording gear
Record the entire review in one take using only my notes
If I make a mistake, I start over
Usually 8–10 attempts before I’m satisfied

Once I’m happy with the recording, I edit in links and prepare the upload.

9. YouTube Members Early Access

Before going public, I upload the video for YouTube Members. They get early access — usually a day or more.

I also update the Gear Tier List at this time.

10. Out to the Public

Videos typically go live on Wednesday mornings.

11. Responding to Comments & Reading/Watching Reviews/Opinions

Comments start rolling in immediately, and I do my best to respond quickly.

This is also when I finally look at other reviews, impressions, and forum discussions — not to compare or validate my thoughts, but simply out of curiosity.

12. Product Departure

Once the review is live:

I contact the sender
Thank them
Ask where to return the product

If we have an established relationship, sometimes the return instructions are already understood.

Conclusion

And that’s the full 12‑step Honest Audiophile review process — the reason each review takes time, care, and consistency.

If you have questions about any part of the process, or if you’d like links to the music I use during evaluations, feel free to comment below.

Enjoy the Music — and remember, Honesty is the Best Policy.

I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.

Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LG7Kqp_7f/?igshid=1pj7fm78gz0h2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs

Website: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com

Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/theHonestAudiophile

YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgMj7xJ1SDxGqqxZ5l3g_jg/join

The Honest Audiophile research/review process: https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc Tierlist:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing

Audio Terms/Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide

Test Tracks: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions

Amazon playlist: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/afb5506483ba4ae3be17c2184797ebb6sune?ref=dm_sh_ycUHvBw1lOkeqCrwPFcc45NAl

Recommended Gear:

Audeze LCD-5: https://www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5