If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

@hilde48 — To me, measurements are a big part of the story, but only in service of “which sounds better.”  Fancy measuring systems can only take you so far. Sound preferences vary, and listening tests have their problems. But that is another discussion! 

I’m sure you are aware of Ron Bernay and his sound shed, designed and equipped for controlled listening comparisons. If the parties involved were willing to provide Ron with 2 sets of speakers, original and modified, we could get a better take on the sonic comparison. However, they would need to commit considerable time and resources, and I don’t know how high a priority this would have.

Amir’s distortion and off-axis measurements were on version 1. Danny showed distortion in his second video, and it was far lower than what Amir showed. Danny’s final off-axis measurements were virtually identical to the original. Amir, at least twice, said the measurements were “off the charts.” He could have done what Danny did and adjusted the range on his charts. 

I admit to a bias, but I would expect Danny’s modifications — crossover, tube connectors, and no-res damping, would result in noticeably better sound stage and imaging. Whether they would be more pleasing and engaging is another question.

@hilde45 

All I can say is what the hell does Danny Richie no about anything but "snake oil"!

@trumpetman48  — The Ron Bernay suggestion is  really good! It would be the most direct way to settle the sonic question.

I'd push back on the distortion point. The video's challenge to Danny's methodology was precisely that his measurement tools lack the resolution and rigor for this level of work. Pointing to Danny's own v2 distortion measurements as a rebuttal doesn't escape that problem — it's the same coarse tools producing the reassuring numbers. That's circular.

The "off the charts" framing isn't a presentation quirk either. 6% distortion in a tweeter, in the frequency range where our hearing is most sensitive, is a substantive finding regardless of how you scale the axis.

What a great discussion. I like upgrading with quality parts. I also like dsp and electronic crossovers but some don't and that's ok. Looks like amir is highly trained.  I would like that 150k device but I'll have to just  use my ears until then. Looks like the speaker manufacture took the critism and invested Capitol to improve his design and that's impressive. Keep up the pros and cons cuz this is where we learn.until then enjoy the music don't let pro and con get you down.