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

@mahgister 

I enjoy your posts very much. I was wondering what you use for vibration control. I am looking for something for my integrated. Thank you. 
 

Ron 

i used springs...my speakers areon my desk, relativelu big one for a desk... All my gear is behind my screen comnputer...

I used 4 springs boxes (chineese cheap one) under the speakers.... For the intehrated  the same recipe will do the job...

And under springs different materials ( bamboo plate cork plate granite plate sorbothane)

But springs under my speakers too....

Thanks for your kindness i wish you the best....

@mahgister 

I enjoy your posts very much. I was wondering what you use for vibration control. I am looking for something for my integrated. Thank you. 
 

Ron 

@mahgister 

Thank you for the suggestions. I would love to hear your system. Happy listening!

Ron 

It is not the best there is for sure...

But my ratio S.Q. / price is over the roof...

The best description is i prefer it to my 8 headphones...They are in a drawer definitively... I begun my journey with headphones...I modified them all with success...My speakers/room beat them all now...

But it will be impossible to create this without acoustical control and not only some  treatment, also  filtering and decreasing control for the electrical noise floor, and vibration control...

The last improvement is an intimacy who rival all my headphones...

i am really happy so much that i dont even want to upgrade some day to my dreamed amplifier... Berning ZOTL... It is no more necessary...

Many years ago i was frustrated with this 500 bucks system...Same system...And i am in heaven...

My best to you...

 

@mahgister

Thank you for the suggestions. I would love to hear your system. Happy listening!

Ron