Popular Post MikePM Posted February 20, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2020 I will quietly put in my 2 cents. I have been a fan of Chris' site since I first learned of it. I eventually signed up in early 2013 but rarely commented since my computer skills are fairly limited as compared to most who posted at that time. CC and this site have drifted from its original mission and I think this move is an abandonment of the techies who started out with CC when he was evaluating computer hardware for audio use. Whether this was due to computers becoming a mature audio platform, or CC losing interest in tweeking computers, software, and networking gear, I can't say. However, shortly before the name change to Audiophile Style it was apparent that the subject matter had drifted from computer audio to Stereophile like reviews of digital gear that was too expensive for much of his techie audience. Similarly, discussion of software has mostly disappeared since the advent of ROON. Moving the "objectivists," which are probably many of the geeks that started with Computer Audiophile, to the corner completes the transformation. I have started coming to this site less and less since there are already dozens of websites that review high end gear. I remember the old saying by Upton Sinclair that "it is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it." CC wants to review high end gear, objective testing be dammed, so he is kicking the tech guys to the side. I read ASR and find Amir's numbers to be very useful, as well as the fact that he tests gear by Chinese manufacturers, and I also read subjective reviews for gear in a price range I am willing to pay. My position on objective tests is simple, if it tests bad then it probably has a problem that is audible. If it tests well, then there are probably subtle differences that a subjective review is worth hearing about. And to this end, I would really like to see some comparisons of gear that tests well, even if the price varies substantially. Before anyone comments regarding China, many Chinese products use well designed chips without infringing any patents, and this is where you find many of the young engineers and audiophiles in this graying hobby. kumakuma, pkane2001, Audiophile Neuroscience and 7 others 3 4 3 1) Selah Audio Fedele Speakers (Revel in ceiling surrounds) QNAP TS-251 NAS accessed w/ a Ruku Ultra through SPDIF ipurifier into a Marantz SR7008 A/V receiver. 2) Freya + preamp, Hypex NC400 Amp, Zaph L18 Speakers, Martin Logan Dynamo sub-woofer Bluesound Node 2 and Pro-Ject Expression w/ AT440mlb. Link to comment
Popular Post MikePM Posted February 20, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2020 "cesspool"? Apparently you don't read the same content I do. However, it is this kind of generalization that really makes it difficult to have a discussion. I recently built a hypex nc400 amp based on the measurements and reviews at ASR and love it. Paired with my Schiit Freya + it sounds much better that what I have owned before. I hesitated, however, to go with the hypex due to the harsh anti-class D subjective comments on this forum. Encouraged by the objective measurements, and actually listening to it, I am thrilled. From my subjective point of view, the hypex with the Freya in tube mode is the best I have heard--even if it is likely that tubes add some distortion. And it is fast, musical, has air and all of those things. p.s., But bad measurements probably do translate into bad sound. lucretius, Ajax, Teresa and 2 others 1 3 1 1) Selah Audio Fedele Speakers (Revel in ceiling surrounds) QNAP TS-251 NAS accessed w/ a Ruku Ultra through SPDIF ipurifier into a Marantz SR7008 A/V receiver. 2) Freya + preamp, Hypex NC400 Amp, Zaph L18 Speakers, Martin Logan Dynamo sub-woofer Bluesound Node 2 and Pro-Ject Expression w/ AT440mlb. Link to comment
Popular Post MikePM Posted February 21, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted February 21, 2020 2 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: Exactly. This is a hobby. It's about the journey and destination and sharing enjoyable experiences with like-minded people. Then why relegate the tech oriented crowd to a sub-category? They have an opinion that is often useful. As I noted above, I have been coming to this site less and less since it shifted focus to reviewing rather than helping work with and adjust computer software and hardware for audio use. There are lots of review sites, but unfortunately, few for computer audio. As to the general tenor of arguments, I find the tone here to be about equal to ASR, with a recent shift here towards ad hominem comments against anyone that suggests objective testing has merit. It is a hobby and good measurements should justify a listen, i.e., a subjective review. If it measures bad, however, I think some real explaining is in order. As a lawyer I would say that if it tests well, then the presumption is that it likely sounds good, but if it tests bad, the piece should be strictly scrutinized. To that end, how about doing subjective comparisons between gear that measures well, regardless of price, so we can ferret out just what those subtle differences are. lucretius and Teresa 2 1) Selah Audio Fedele Speakers (Revel in ceiling surrounds) QNAP TS-251 NAS accessed w/ a Ruku Ultra through SPDIF ipurifier into a Marantz SR7008 A/V receiver. 2) Freya + preamp, Hypex NC400 Amp, Zaph L18 Speakers, Martin Logan Dynamo sub-woofer Bluesound Node 2 and Pro-Ject Expression w/ AT440mlb. Link to comment
Popular Post MikePM Posted February 21, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted February 21, 2020 Thanks for your reply. I keep coming back because you still do things like the reviews of the various remasters of classic CD's and occasionally describe how to set up software. As to reviews, I really appreciated the recent Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro DAC review since this is an example of a product that tested extremely well. I think with reviews we are saying the same thing. My point is that good and bad tests are evidence of how it might sound and it is important to consider that when doing the critical subjective listening. I also believe that tests should indeed cause you to be more critical if you have to overcome bad measurements. As an aside, I would note that while mediocre measuring equipment probably can sound good, truly bad tests are hard to dismiss. I don't understand your point about "subjective qualities may not translate to anyone but the writer." Isn't that the basic reason for the merits of some objective analysis? All subjective tests are the opinions of, we hope, trained listeners to help us buy equipment in an environment where listening opportunities are limited. My thought is lets take like measuring equipment and try to describe the subtle differences that can be heard, or not. lucretius, The Computer Audiophile and pkane2001 2 1 1) Selah Audio Fedele Speakers (Revel in ceiling surrounds) QNAP TS-251 NAS accessed w/ a Ruku Ultra through SPDIF ipurifier into a Marantz SR7008 A/V receiver. 2) Freya + preamp, Hypex NC400 Amp, Zaph L18 Speakers, Martin Logan Dynamo sub-woofer Bluesound Node 2 and Pro-Ject Expression w/ AT440mlb. Link to comment
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