Misleading Measurements

[MarkusBarkus]

[MarkusBarkus]

2 hours ago, John Dyson said:

Sometimes, that is all that we have to test with -- and that isn't good.

...and wouldn't it be interesting to see hearing test/calibration results posted along with the

reviewer's name in magazines and online? The reviewer's spec sheet, of sorts. 
 

I already take all of that stuff with a dose of skepticism, but imagine if you knew the reviewer was at 75% in one ear.  

[MarkusBarkus]

12 hours ago, vmartell22 said:

The test case will specify thresholds, tolerances, etc. Data points will be taken using... measurement devices, not by ear. And pass/fail will be determined.

...I would just add that there would also be a few assumptions underlying the test/QA plan, that might constitute "normal usage/conditions." 
 

Perhaps the test case: "Turn on arc welder on adjacent power feed..." would not constitute a normal test case. And that exception wouldn't likely appear in consumer documentation: Warning, do not run device while neighbor is arc welding." Although the the caveats that do appear sometimes read as if written for consumers new to the planet.

 

Not that we're voting, but may I cast one for measure and listen?

[MarkusBarkus]

@pkane2001 we have heard tales from the dark side of neighbors welding, and its effects on the "rig."

 

...and @sandyk I agree that manufacturers assume consumers will make their decisions based on subjective evaluation. You and a few others here have the kung-fu to measure a device to see if it

matches the spec sheet, and act accordingly. 

Most of us (me for sure) are only using our ears, however defective they are, in our rooms, however defective they are.

 

I get your point, and would add that manufacturers are also making decisions about price point, and the number of units they need to, or expect to, sell.

 

Honestly, I am fascinated by the business model that supports the creation of five or ten thousand dollar cables. I would love to see the BOM and "forecasting.xls" and be in those meetings!

 

For me, in the end, it's mostly all good. Cable company workers have mortgages and kids too. I only get fired up if they're lying to consumers, which they probably sometimes are.