Better Sounding Systems, Objectivists or Subjectivists?


When these two camps retire to their listening rooms, which school of thought tends to get better sound? Those who ultimately place their faith in measurements above actually listening to their systems? Or those of us who look at measurements, but ultimately make our decisions based on what subjectively sounds best to us?

128x128ted_denney

the most distorted, garbled, piece of crap I have ever heard

Adele on a good day?

Adele on a good day?

Nothing can ever match Adele 😭 and the artistry of her supremely talented producers. 

This system was one of a kind....if he played Adele, I don't think I would have made it out of there alive. 

 

 

Pretty simple  - does it sound better to me? When I replace something or add something in my system, does it sound better (I know, crude description). The better sellers will let you return it if you don't like it. I'll normally get the opinion of whoever is selling it if it should be a good fit with my system before trying it. If they don't offer a money back guarantee, I will listen to it in their store changing out only the component in question on a similar quality system to mine. Then if I don't think it is better they get mad.

If you don't listen to it, shame on you for treating it like specs for buying a computer server.

I have heard of people who buy cars without driving them first and it makes we want to vomit. The exception is car collectors who don't drive them - they are more like investors or art collectors, and if that is what you are into, that's fine. I prefer the stock market. Long term - not day trading.