Attention Scientists, Engineers and Na-s


Isn't it funny how timing works. With all the different discussions on proving this, show me fact on that and the psycho acoustical potential of the other thing an article comes along with the same topics and some REAL potential answers. I received my newest copy of "The Audiophile Voice" Vol.7, Issue1 today and on page 16 is an article written by David Blair and Bill Eisen titled "In The Matter Of Noise". The article focuses on disturbance noise but has some reference to thermal noise, low frequency noise and shot noise, and our ability to measure these noises with the equipment of today. We have measured noise as low as 6x10 to the power of -5, or approximately a few cycles per day. We have also found through laboratory testing that the human brain is stimulated with frequencies from just above 0Hz to just below 50kHz. U.S. Department of Defense documents also show studies of low frequency activity below measurable levels and there various affects.
The article then begins to talk about out of band (hearing) noise and in band noise produced by our electronic equipment and the potential of these noises effecting our sound system. The assumptions are that "disturbance noises rob our systems of dynamics, low-level information, tonal purity and stage depth". These effects are for the most part overlooked and misunderstood by the scientific communities. They say they think that our speakers being hit with "massive quantities of R.F.I. are affected" A very good quote referring to power filters was "Effective noise control imposes no sonic tradeoffs or downside." How often have the discussions here on Audiogon focused on what they are doing? A very interesting comment was that Teflon is capable of carrying 40-Kilovolts static charge, and the industry is touting this as a great insulator for audio signals, that's scarey!
Now I bring this to light because I believe the view of the "Scientists and Engineers" here on Audiogon is so narrow that they are failing to see the exciting challenges in front of them. If all these noises do exist, which they do, and they can be transmitted and received through our systems, isn't possible, just maybe feasible that the insulation of our wires, the casing of our dedicated lines the size and shape of the conductor could, just maybe effect the sound? Isn't it even possible that forces set off by electrical components could be interfering in some so far unmeasured and inaudible way affecting the sound. Do you all test within the full spectrum of 0Hz to 50Khz for every possible situation? Or is it possible, just ever so small of a chance that you are overlooking a whole new science yet unexplored. Doesn't that, even slightly excite your little scientific fossils?
Man if I was younger, healthier and wanted a challenge. This is a career if you'd just climb out from behind you oscilloscopes and spectrum analyzer and see the world is indeed still spinning, and yes, it is 2001. Remember how 30 years ago 2001 was going to be so exciting. What the hell have the Scientist, Engineers and Na-sayers who tote there stuff here on Audiogon done for the advancement of science. Anyone, have any of you really broken through! J.D.
128x128jadem6
Hi JD; A challenge I would mostly fail as I have little electronics knowledge. But what I do know is that critical listening skills are real when put in the context of longterm listening to my own system, in my own room, and with my own music. When doubting thomas' show up here on Agon, I mostly just chuckle because I have confidence in my own listening skills given the above conditions. The one thing I can do is encourage new/young audiophiles to educate themselves in this important skill. Having said that, it still leaves us with subjectivists (you, me, Trelja, and many Agon members), vs objectivists-- who show up here from time to time. IMO it takes time, patience, and perserverence to develop critical listening skills. I expect I would fail many blind listening tests because of the way they are set up, structured, and the time limits usually imposed. Time, system and music familiarity are essential to successful critical listening. Cheers. Craig.
Garfish, I think it is difficult to fail the blind listening test, whether it be my own system or one else where. Two important things I have noticed is when I close my eyes and listen I can hear great detail and yes notice things missing(which who would want to admit with their own system, I myself strive for perfection. Something I can't help). Though the sound is not as beautiful when I open my eyes. I would gather that this is because my senses are hightened when my eyes are closed. I usually don't have a problem when I hear other system setup's and can usually notice the defects. Hope I didn't get off the subject to much here. Pete
Wow Danvetc, that was amazing. Just came out huh? That's exactly what I'm talking about, loosen up and let ideas flow. Now you just need to relate it to audio equipment and we have a start. Don't get me wrong, I love your "stream of consciousness" thank-you for sharing. J.D.

Craig, I think you under estimate the knowledge you do have. I've read enough of your posts to know you have a very good grasp of this hobby, you and I just need some techno dude to help us out here.
Sharp thinking Jostler! You're right, assumptions will get us into trouble, especially if they get metamorphosed into "thruths", which often enough happens. On the other hand, assumptions , as new insight in a given set of problems, can lead to scientific progress, under the condition, that they become verified or lead to new sets of premises for further research.
If proposals for us to make something of ourselves are being sought, I would humbly suggest an experiment. We could all share in the listening. Doing this via listening to a product in our system. A matris test could be developed. We could choose something simple, perhaps power cords or interconnect. Make a number of different designs(ideally in pairs, maybe 3 to 5 pairs of variables) focusing on things like wire guage, metal composition, insulation, and geometry. We could evaluate things like one strand versus more than one, stranded versus solid core, silver versus copper, insulations such as PVC, teflon, kynar(don't see that used in audio...), and twisted versus braided versus not organized. Perhaps have a member assemble the lot of cable for the experiment(making each cable identical for each person). We could all pitch in a modest sum of money($50, $100, or whatever), to cover materials and labor. We would listen to each product in our system for two to three weeks. We would report the results here on Audiogon. The cables would also be tested objectively, using an oscilloscope, with several pieces of music(which we will also agree to use in our listening). The measurements would not be revealed until we each round of testing came to a conclusion. I know it may seem to be a daunting undertaking, but I think 5 to 10 people might be interested. We could then develop rough guides on how variables work with different types of amplification, loudspeaker, music, etc. Afterwards, all involved can call themselves scientists, because that is what they would be. Just one man's opinion...