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
@mahgister that is true the info is all out there for the taking. But the op is asking us as individuals how we do it. That book about me is not out there. It would be a bestseller, believe me! 😉 You should write a book too. Maybe get some independent sources to review. Never hurts! |
@jackhifiguy + 1 |
I reacted because the OP was alluding sarcastingly about my virtual page thats all... I dont need to write books i already published four... 😁😊 And acoustic and psycho acoustic is not my expertise... I only go with 2 years listening experiments because i am lucky enough to own an audio room... Discovering that the costly upgrading road is a deceptive illusion for most , i choose to give my advices AFTER my experiments: Dont upgrade anything BEFORE trying to embed rightfully mechanically, electrically and acoustically what you already own...Is it not sound simple advice nobody gave here ?
People are like children waiting for magic formulas they dont want to experiments ...But some can... This is the reason why i posted here for them and to motivate their own creativity at NO COSTS...I sell nothing save thinking motivation...
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I have an audio buddy who is really into measurements. He claims if it measures well it will sound good. He has gone through as many components as I have and is still chasing that perfect sound. I don’t think he likes the equipment he has picked out and measures so well!? Once he bought the same speakers I had bought. I purchased them strictly because I liked how they sounded at my dealer..... I go by sound..... not measurements. |
