Talk but not walk?


Hi Guys

This isn't meant to start a fight, but it is important to on lookers. As a qualifier, I have my own audio forum where we report on audio issues as we empirically test them. It helps us short cut on theories and developing methods of listening. We have a wide range of systems and they are all over the world adding their experiences to the mix. Some are engineers, some are artist and others are audiophiles both new and old. One question I am almost always asked while I am visiting other forums, from some of my members and also members of the forum I am visiting is, why do so many HEA hobbyist talk theory without any, or very limited, empirical testing or experience?

I have been around empirical testing labs since I was a kid, and one thing that is certain is, you can always tell if someone is talking without walking. Right now on this forum there are easily 20 threads going on where folks are talking theory and there is absolutely no doubt to any of us who have actually done the testing needed, that the guy talking has never done the actual empirical testing themselves. I've seen this happen with HEA reviewers and designers and a ton of hobbyist. My question is this, why?

You would think that this hobby would be about listening and experience, so why are there so many myths created and why, in this hobby in particular, do people claim they know something without ever experimenting or being part of a team of empirical science folks. It's not that hard to setup a real empirical testing ground, so why don't we see this happen?

I'm not asking for peoples credentials, and I'm not asking to be trolled, I'm simply asking why talk and not walk? In many ways HEA is on pause while the rest of audio innovation is moving forward. I'm also not asking you guys to defend HEA, we've all heard it been there done it. What I'm asking is a very simple question in a hobby that is suppose to be based on "doing", why fake it?

thanks, be polite

Michael Green

www.michaelgreenaudio.net


128x128michaelgreenaudio
kosst_amojan
I've used gear covers on and off. It's made no difference at all except for my F5. I'm running 1.42 amp of bias on 32 volt rails. Putting the lid on it puts another 5C+ into the heatsinks and 10C into the JFETs. That changes the sound. So in the interest of keeping things cool, I go cover off.

Bingo! 
cd318
There should be no good reason to remove an amplifier case cover. The cover protects you from a possibly fatal shock and the components from possibly fatal damage (and dust).

>>>>If removing the metal cover off disturbs you a wood board or plexiglass cover will suffice. You can even remove the wood or plexiglass cover for critical listening. 😀 obviously taking the cover off is not suggested for those with small pets. If you have a dust problem in the room can I suggest an air purifier? 

cd318
Case resonance issues in amplifier design are best left to the designers, but if you are concerned you can always experiment with means of physical isolation via platforms, air bladders, etc

>>>>As I’ve pointed out many things like power cords, fuses, transformers bolted to the chassis, are most likely not best left to the designers. Besides everyone knows dedicated audiophiles don’t follow rules.

cd318
Some manufacturers such as Naim Audio have been physically isolating/decoupling their circuit boards for decades.

>>>>>Now that is a great idea! I’ve been advocating the same thing for years. Anyone can do it. It’s not rocket science. 🚀


geoffkait,

I am not sure what your sentence means when it comes to me. The part in which you ask about yourself, I do not have much knowledge about you to speculate what you are altogether. However, from  what you show in your posts, in this forum you are a nuisance.
glupson, you’ve convinced me that you don’t get it. Something’s wrong somewhere. Glupson, I’m afraid this conversation can serve no purpose anymore.

freediver
Somewhere in the archives of my history here at A’gon I said basically the reason there is ZERO scientific testing regarding audio reproduction products is a conspiracy between HEA manufacturers & the established media to perpetuate the myth of performance = $$$!
That is why empirical testing of audio products in the mainstream died with Julian Hirsch...

>>>>Two things. If there’s a conspiracy how come John Atkinson routinely measures the performance of audio products on Stereophile? Even Stereo Times, as I just got through saying, measured the performance of the Franck Tchang tiny little bowls. Didn’t you see the Pop Quiz? And, as we’ve been discussing, the word empirical includes measurements AND subjective listening evaluations, the latter being the ubiquitous empirical method employed by reviewers and forum members. If the hobby was photography wouldn’t empirical evidence include how the photograph looks?