Good read: why comparing specifications is pointless


 

“ … Bitrates, sampling rates, bit sizes, wattages, amplifier classes…. as an audio enthusiast, there are countless specifications to compare. But it is – virtually – all meaningless. Why? Because the specifications that matter are not reported ánd because every manufacturer measures differently. let’s explain that...”

 

 

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@juanmanuelfangioii 

@amir_asr So how do the folks at other review based organizations do it? Sterophile, PTA, M&S, PF, ... I know they are better equipped in both staff and technology, and they are dedicated to one mission or job, Reviews. 

Quality not quantity. You just validated what many are saying here. 

You have this backward.  I bring the quality.  They bring fiction.  Anyone can write a word salad about how something "sounds."  You have no way of verifying anything they have said.  Their reviews are also universally positive.  Here are my stats from the ASR Review Index:

Total Devices Tested by Amir 1,177

Total Devices Recommended by Amir 495

Recommended Devices By Amir % 36%

As you see, I find issues with 2/3 of the products I test.  I have the freedom to say so because I either buy the product myself or a membrer sends it.  I am not beholding to a manufacture who sends me gear to give a positive review.

But let's say their motives are pure.  Their listening tests are not worth bits that are used to store them online.  Here is how they did when testing speakers -- something that should be easy for them -- in formal double blind study: 

http://seanolive.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-listen-course-on-how-to.html

 

You see how poorly the audio reviewers did?  They could not remotely provide consistent results of listening to the same set of speakers.  You would want to put your trust in that???

When I perform listening tests, it is not for writing novels.  It is to focus and quantify keep weaknesses in products.  And to see if measurements are correctly predicting performance.

What is great here is that audiophiles are appreciating the value of proper audio reviews as opposed to fiction.  Here is our traffic compared to stereophile.com for example:

 

We have 3X the reach despite being much younger site.  You want to continue to live in the past, you can.  But please don't ask me to feed you nonsense in my reviews.

Amir I did not ask you for anything. I am not your demographic.

You came here. Go back to your catbox then.

And what is this poop?

You are lying again. Your words I do not have time to do listening test doing 300 reviews a year.

Also when I am buying speakers I do not use any review sites. (not yours for sure) 1). again I am not your demographic, 2) I do in home auditions on my system, in my listening room. 

I would never trust any reviewer including or especially you.

 

 

They could not remotely provide consistent results of listening to the same set of speakers. You would want to put your trust in that???

When I perform listening tests, it is not for writing novels. It is to focus and quantify keep weaknesses in products

@amir_asr Good set of arguments about your independence, methods, selectivity. You could depart this thread having done due diligence, and who could blame you. 

 

@amir_asr

You have this backward. I bring the quality.

I have yet to "see" this quality you are claiming. Where is it? In your wooden room with two speakers? In your mystery home theater? LOL.

We have a video from Dolby Labs that defines what a "quality" room posted in this thread. If you are reviewing atmos receivers this should be table stakes at a minimum. You are a dealer, you got the resources, now get started:

 

 

I'd like to slag off most of the posters on this thread.

From what they say, it just seems like the right thing to do....

Translation:  try to be objective and less personal.

On point.  Comparing specifications is utterly pointless unless you also listen to the gear.  If you listen, then specifications have relevance.