Many reviewers will lead you down the wrong path.


A lot of reviewers will tell you that they listen for something specific on certain records to see if things are correctly setup. Either they don't know what they are talking about, or it is very misleading. This is how you tweak a system. One: use the objective parameters, i.e., tonearm should be level with record being played; speakers should be so many feet from the back and/or side wall, anti-skate dial should match tracking force dial, etc. Two: slightly tweak things one way or another, until you hear what does what. When they tell you that from memory, they think such-and-such, ask their age. I would discount anything they say if they are over 50(I'm 55). When you find out what does what, you will know what to do. If the final answer doesn't have the treble that you've heard before, or has sibilance, or not enough bass, too bad. You do not use things to dial in things that you know exist. Your job is to find out what is best for what you are dealing with. Ignore all the other stuff. You'll be glad that you heard this from me. Go on to other parameters, but do not try to dial in one thing from one tweak. That is not how it is done. You listen until you hear what one thing does and put that right.
mmakshak
Misleading to those inclined to be mislead perhaps.

I have several CD's/LP's which I use because they have borderline problems which can be revealed in components or system set-up which will exacerbate the problems or, alternatively eliminate them, neither being the correct resolution. These are CDs/LPs that I've lived with over the years and am totally familar with them and how they should sound (to my ears!).

What better guage could I have for setting up a system? Some audiophile recording which sounds wonderful on most any system? Not! With the exception of 'Depth of Image' on Opus 3, and a set up disc which has some good out of phase point source sound for dialing in imaging, I can't think of a better test than problematic recordings.

Re discounting stuff from folks over 50, I agree. Memory, and perhaps hearing as well,is obviously a fragile thing.
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This is quite a dilemma. You can't believe the old farts due to memory and hearing loss yet the young bucks don't have enough experience to establish credibility. Here's a couple novel ideas, trust what you hear and.............. never mind I forgot the second one.