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Interesting ASR review of small GR Research speaker kit

I bounce between various kinds of analysis — more subjective listening reports, more quantitative measurement analyses and, my favorite, those that combine both strategies to tell a useful story about audio products.

Amir of ASR has just done a very powerful takedown of a fairly inexpensive kit being sold by Danny at GR Research. Not only does he prove his point about the speakers, he also makes (to my mind) a very convincing case that Danny put his finger on the scale in how he reported his own measurements. 

I'm not in any camp — Danny's or Amir's or anyone else's. What I appreciate is thoroughness and meticulousness in exposition. Danny does that in his own videos. (Again -- to me. I'm really still learning and cannot easily spot gaps in argument in this subject matter.)

I know people with some of GR's best kits — and I've heard one of them. They sounded incredible. I've watched a bunch of Danny's videos where he criticizes other companies; I've come away thinking, "Wow, he really revealed some of the grift embedded in that product." 

But here, the tables are turned, it seems, on Danny. I hope he responds, both to defend his reputation and methods, but also because it will set in relief where some of the distance may be between these two dominant online figures' methods in assessing what makes for a good speaker.

https://youtu.be/IikqAg38FPs

128x128hilde45
bassdude
489 posts
 

As many (most) have noted... how any component "measures" does not determine whether it sounds good to the listener, or not - that is just a FACT! More often than not, a component that sounds superb does not measure well... and one that does... not so much.

Though... some metrics are relevant (e.g. impedance, efficiency, noise, damping factor)... to, among other things, determine how well components "match" one another (i.e. system matching or synergy matters most). Tube components often measure poorly - though - they often sound the best, depending on the entire set up. And... excessive noise can obscure detail resolution, etc. While poor damping factor can ruin bass response and control.

So... consider selected metrics... when setting up your system... but... the sound that you finally achieve is all that matters. In fact... you will do better in assessing components from reviews, shows, manufacturers’ suggestions, and YouTube videos - determining the type of sound you prefer and can achieve.

In fact - the comments of Nelson Pass in this thread sum it up quite well:  

 

rbstehno
1,428 posts
 

ASR's comment about square edges on the cabinet. Look at the latest review in TAS, the Stenhiem $72,000 speaker has square edges, along with Harbeth and many others which I think are some of the ugliest speakers out there, and I don't like the sound of the 1's I have heard.

We are talking about a $300 speaker here. Sure, the winding of the coil might not be perfect, the $100 woodwork might not be furniture grade, but it's a $300 speaker. 

vladtheimpala
99 posts
 

True, perhaps ASR blows but 3" woofers? Um no, unless you don't like bass.

 

rbstehno
1,428 posts
 

We are talking about a $300 speaker, right? Not sure if ASR is up for reviewing speakers but if you look at the latest TAS issue that has the Stenhiem $72,000 speakers that he thought were the cats meow, and they had square edges, as well as many other speakers like Harbeth, which I think are very ugly and I don't like the sq, just my opinion.

Ok the windings aren't perfect, the cabinet isn't furniture grade, but again, it's a $300 speaker. I think this reviewer might have a grudge against Danny/GR research

noske
783 posts
 

@rbstehno I think this reviewer might have a grudge against Danny/GR research

I don't believe this is correct.  Please corroborate your allegation with substantive evidence.

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