Is ASR for real, or is it only for those sub $1k or even sub $2K?

ASR forum members reputation is that measurements are all that matters sonically - I highly suspect rationalization to justify not spending for better equipment.

The truth is that audio reproduction is non-exact, so sonic presentations are different depending on gear, the entire audio chain, the room, etc.  It’s always best to demo yourself to find what subjectively resonates with you.   

ASR is a good source of info to help find good performing gear cost effectively.  Is there more to it than that?  You get to decide. 

"They do some simple electronic tests and make completely erroneous conclusions on sound quality. Ignore them."

Indeed. They are also dismissive and extremely rude to anyone who does not agree with them.

They’re spec afficionados.  No subjective input allowed.  Why use your ears when you can print out a data sheet that tells you everything you need to know.   I find some of the info useful, but also find it hard to take that philosophy serious on an absolute basis.  I stopped buying gear based on specs in 1983.

 

The assessment that ASR is a bunch of cheapskates that can’t afford “good” gear and are therefore to be dismissed by those of the audio community that can spend freely is part and parcel of the anti-science moment in our society evidenced by vaccine skepticism, the disrespect of expertise, and evidence based knowledge in general, preferring commercially motivated narratives and subjective, anecdotal stories. When I began in audio, in 1970 or so, the Stereo Review mindset was the enemy and the Stereophile view that objective analysis has to be validated with subjective listening was the new thinking. But we have come a long way since then and the test instruments used by Amir are a lot more sensitive than what Julian Hirsch had. A lot of expensive audio gear is what it is because of the jewelry effect.  A friend of mine had a motto I still remember..,beware of good looking stereos!