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

I’ve read that forum and site for years. It has its value. Measurements are one criterion, but as we all know, we’re the ones who have to listen to the thing.  Probably the most obnoxious result are Amir’s fanboys who feel like they’ve discovered some big secret that means they never have to spend any money on their rig again. It’s really classic Internet. They’ve actually gotten a little better.
 

But in a way, you touch on a generational thing with this hobby. ASR is hugely popular with young tech types who seem to really want to be a part of our hobby, but feel priced out of it. Consequently the whole thing often is a giant rationalization to justify the gear they can afford. Real siloed thinking. Their hostility to anyone who comes from outside their little bubble says it all.

FWIW, they do seem to have stopped hating gear for no other reason than they can’t afford it. I’ve actually seen some very favorable reviews of some fairly high end gear there. So they seem to have gained a measure of self-awareness.

I started reading in ASR and got suck into it during my early years in audio as I am an engineer by trade. However, as I progress in knowledge and understanding, hearing what a good low distortion amp vs a good well-built amp (not much dealing with measurable distortion) I came to realize that music is more (a LOT more) that just distortion figures. in the first place, music is Analog. 

With that all being said, I quickly learned that all they do is just state (most specially their founder) that if measurements show that it has the lowest distortion (I am using amps as an example) then that is all that matters, it sounds the best!

In my opinion, I owned their highly recommended power amp, and I also own their poorly non recommended amp (the AHB2 and XA-25) and for sure you all know what the outcome is. 

From that point on, I never came back to that site as it only fosters that distortion figures as all that matters, not the music itself.

I like Erin’s Audio Corner for balanced assessment of measured data and listening experience.   

https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com

He uses a Klippel scanner for his data

 https://www.klippel.de/products/rd-system/modules/nfs-near-field-scanner.html

The condescension there is thick. Lots of smarmy mouthed jerks. I think measurements are cool and all but they’ve created a measurement cult*ure and it is extremely cliquish.

edit: I know that sounds harsh and I don’t mean to put down Amir or what he is doing especially when it exposes snake oil. It’s just the group condescension that I find offensive.

If you want to see group level condescension, you shall go and read the vile degenerate threads at asr.

The condescension there is thick. Lots of smarmy mouthed jerks. I think measurements are cool and all but they’ve created a measurement cult*ure and it is extremely cliquish.

edit: I know that sounds harsh and I don’t mean to put down Amir or what he is doing especially when it exposes snake oil. It’s just the group condescension that I find offensive.