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Propeller Head Plaza Technical and scientific discussion of amps, cables and other topics. |
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Propeller Head Plaza Technical and scientific discussion of amps, cables and other topics. |
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In Reply to: What I believe (very long post) posted by Phil Tower on June 4, 2006 at 15:07:57:
"Distinguish facts from inferences. Facts are observed and are not contingent on belief systems, biases, or preferences. Under ideal circumstances, facts can be verified. Treat skeptically “facts†that can’t be verified."Then consider this fact. Except for loudspeakers, all components purchased for and installed in a home high fidelity sound system result in an electrical output and therefore, the only valid way to judge them is through electrical testing, subjective evaluations of their performance being meaningless. If there is a difference between actual performance between two similarly functioning components but not their demonstrated electrical peformance to explain it, then the electrical measurement theory is inadequate or has been misapplied. The only value DBTs have for evaluating such components is to verify measured performance. AT BEST, the characteristic shortcomings of one component can mitigate complimentary shortcomings of another so that if one component sounds superior as an element in a system even though its measurements are inferior, it is because there are other problems elsewhere. Selecting components for a sound system on this basis is bad engineering and bad consumerism especially in light of the fact that the next change to the system can in all likelihood result is even worse performance owing to the inherent shortcomings in the component which was the previous "cure."
"Do I practice the scientific method in choosing my own components? No. I choose to approach my own system primarily from a right brain viewpoint, where pleasure trumps reason. Is that a rational choice? Of course not."
This "relativist" approach may be fun for you but it would be hell for me. I'd never know when I might wake up one day, find I suddenly detest what I own, and have to start out all over again. Having realized a long time ago that many electrical components such as amplifiers, wires, and cd players not designed to lure audiophiles perform their funcitons virtually flawlessly, I chose instead to try to understand why there were problems and fix them myself insofar as it is possible. And in that persuit, I've been very happy with older equipment I feel no reason to replace unless it malfunctions to the point where repair is not the best remedy.
BTW, my limited experience with mp3 suggests to me that with the possible exception of the most demanding and difficult recordings and contrary to what audiophiles say, that technology is perfectly adequate for most recordings, especially non classical.
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Follow Ups
- Re: What I believe (very long post) - Soundmind 16:11:57 06/04/06 (1)
- Re: What I believe (very long post) - Phil Tower 20:05:52 06/04/06 (0)
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