How do you judge audio components and speakers?


I would say - listening to music you're familiar with, and comparing. We can talk about tight/bloomy bass, midrange clarity, treble extension and things of that nature. We can also be very specific with regards to how a particular track is supposed to sound; based on high-performance gear that we were able to experience - but only if it purports to be accurate without sonic colorations. Therefore, I guess you could say we have a reference point. This part is what I would consider "objective performance." 

Along with this, measurements go hand-in-hand.

On the other side of the coin - subjective performance is how we "want our systems to sound." If the vocals are too bright or sharp, if snares or unpleasant sounding instrumentals ruin an otherwise good song, it's usually because the system is too accurate. So high-end audio is about chasing an ideal that doesn't exist in reality - but in the minds of audiophiles who are seeking a very particular kind of sonic presentation that bodes well with their music library as a whole....giving you just enough detail to keep you interested, while at the same time having a sense of realism, presence, and imaging that makes the speakers dissapear. We are seeking the illusion of a live performance.

 

The above are just my points. Feel free to share what you think. If you think I'm wrong, I don't mind. 

 

Cheers.

 

Jack

 

jackhifiguy

@jackhifiguy ,

Such an odd fellow.

Not once have I mentioned or even alluded to mahgister's system. Not once.

All my posts are directly related to your passive aggressive foolishness. insulting those who are not even recognizing your existence. How sad it must be to be you, going through life thinking this is an optimal way to act.

 

"Sure you’re right.

I am a jerk. But I’m a classy mean guy because I always get my point across."

Jerk and mean, absolutely.

Classy, not in the least.

Furthermore, you have completely contradicted what you say is the way you judge audio components--you claim by "listening"---yeet you have never heard Mahgister's system so you are judging solely on looks alone--and apparently have passed that trait along to your son--hopefully he learns that if he's to be a clinical psychologist he can't make his diagnoses based on looks alone as you have.

Well, I wouldn’t say absurd.

It may be generally incorrect to do it, but as was pointed out; weightier, more robustly built gear can tend to be superior to those of a lightly built nature.

@mahgister 

If I may advise you, do please refrain *FROM SHOUTING*… it serves no other purpose than to show you in a poorer light than I believe you to be lit.