It seems like it is all or nothing in the battle between 'objectivists' and 'subjectivists".
I admire the way most of the ASR types stick to falsifiable observations (a scientific habit), and I find the independent measurements useful.
However, I'd agree a few of them show just as little humility as the many golden ears here about the limits of their audio epistemology. In general, I give very little credit to anyone who rants with 100% certainty about non-falsifiable theories. For instance, I infer from his/her bluster that the individual here who told me to "GET OUT OF THE GAME" when I admitted i couldn't hear the difference between many high end amplifiers, was compensating for some personal issue that has nothing to do with me, or amplifier differences. I make similar inferences about an ASR denizen who gratuitously dumps all over people who claim to hear differences in electronics and cables.
I favor skepticism in all things, but most particularly of individuals declaring their certainty from a pulpit. I don't bother with those who write in a way designed to obfuscate, condescend, and complicate, rather than clarify in a spirit of mutual discovery.
Perhaps more to your point, I don't understand why one would evaluate one's future purchases in a way that has nothing to do with how one consumes them. Why not evaluate your equipment *exactly* how you consume it, so you can be sure you'll be happy with it in the long run? If my brushed metal faceplate and high quality internal construction is improving my listening experience, so be it. I stipulate a 'subjective' contribution to the listening experience*. Put it on the rack and let me bask in its fierce permanence.
Of course, they (our now badly stereotyped ASR objectivists) are free to enjoy the hobby any way they like. Personally, I spend exactly none of my time measuring my equipment. I'm weird that way.
*in fact, I think the evidence is abundant on this point.
I admire the way most of the ASR types stick to falsifiable observations (a scientific habit), and I find the independent measurements useful.
However, I'd agree a few of them show just as little humility as the many golden ears here about the limits of their audio epistemology. In general, I give very little credit to anyone who rants with 100% certainty about non-falsifiable theories. For instance, I infer from his/her bluster that the individual here who told me to "GET OUT OF THE GAME" when I admitted i couldn't hear the difference between many high end amplifiers, was compensating for some personal issue that has nothing to do with me, or amplifier differences. I make similar inferences about an ASR denizen who gratuitously dumps all over people who claim to hear differences in electronics and cables.
I favor skepticism in all things, but most particularly of individuals declaring their certainty from a pulpit. I don't bother with those who write in a way designed to obfuscate, condescend, and complicate, rather than clarify in a spirit of mutual discovery.
Perhaps more to your point, I don't understand why one would evaluate one's future purchases in a way that has nothing to do with how one consumes them. Why not evaluate your equipment *exactly* how you consume it, so you can be sure you'll be happy with it in the long run? If my brushed metal faceplate and high quality internal construction is improving my listening experience, so be it. I stipulate a 'subjective' contribution to the listening experience*. Put it on the rack and let me bask in its fierce permanence.
Of course, they (our now badly stereotyped ASR objectivists) are free to enjoy the hobby any way they like. Personally, I spend exactly none of my time measuring my equipment. I'm weird that way.
*in fact, I think the evidence is abundant on this point.