@hilde45 valid point. Measurements are for showing what's measured (duh). This can be invaluable when trying to match equipment to the room. But yes, at the end of the day, our ears have to like the results. I'm happy ASR exists for the purpose of looking at the objective measurements. I'm unhappy that they are most likely steering newer audiophiles down the measurement rabbit hole, when they don't even have a clue yet what type of speakers and equipment they personally enjoy.
The Audio Science Review (ASR) approach to reviewing wines.
Imagine doing a wine review as follows - samples of wines are assessed by a reviewer who measures multiple variables including light transmission, specific gravity, residual sugar, salinity, boiling point etc. These tests are repeated while playing test tones through the samples at different frequencies.
The results are compiled and the winner selected based on those measurements and the reviewer concludes that the other wines can't possibly be as good based on their measured results.
At no point does the reviewer assess the bouquet of the wine nor taste it. He relies on the science of measured results and not the decidedly unscientific subjective experience of smell and taste.
That is the ASR approach to audio - drinking Kool Aid, not wine.
- ...
- 217 posts total
True, but... on ASR, a good DAC costs $200 whereas on Audiogon you might be made to feel like an ignorant peasant if you haven’t "invested" $1000 in a USB cable. Then folks wonder why younger people are flocking to ASR |
I think it has more to do with reinforcing what some hope to be true. Exposing the virtues of a $ 1000 USB cable isnt the same as making a person feeling foolish for not buying one. On a personal note, my brother an engineer, bought both Topping mono amps and the $ 350.00 Topping DAC and sent both back within the return period. The DAC fared better than the amps, but neither were very good.
|
Ya know, you bring up a very valid point. The decades of going into audio stores in my region and listening to a wide array of systems is something I cherish to this day. Going to listen to other peoples systems, all great learning experiences. Most of this is gone any more - so, how do younger people learn and decide, today. It’s easy to see why they are in search of data to try and make more informed decisions -vs- sifting through forums, or watching reviewers with opinions pedaling gear, then trying to figure out who to trust and follow about their hopeful audio purchase. And then, any remaining local dealers sell what they sell too. I guess all of us need to be mindful about what we post, and who’s reading.
|
- 217 posts total