@hilde45 Subjective opinions are valuable if… their tastes are similar, their rooms are similar, their equipment is similar, their recordings are similar. Virtually no one goes to any trouble at all to verify these things. We just have people saying, "This DAC is analytical" or "This amp is smooth" and then others — with a completely different setup and tastes (maybe) then chime in and either agree or disagree.
I honestly get your point. The ideal way to judge and evaluate an audio component is to get it into your system and listen with your own ears. Then you make a judgment call. Unfortunately this scenario isn’t always a possibility. So what alternatives are available?
1 Read professional reviews.
2 Communication with those who have owned or heard the audio product.
3 Rely on test bench measurements.
I can only speak in regard to my own actual experience. Feedback and human to human communication with those familiar with a product serves me best. Second in line would be information gathered from a professional audio review.
Reliance on measurements from my perspective/experience a very distant 3rd option. I do find measurements very helpful during a selection process (Determining compatibility potential) but woefully inadequate in regard to determining sound quality.
I accept the reality that through verbal and written communication isn’t perfect and extrapolation is required, understood. Feedback and listening impressions from other experienced music lovers has just served me very well on multiple occasions.
In those circumstances where home auditioning isn’t feasible, I’ll take my chances with other humans who can offer hands (Ears) on feedback. @hilde45 if your past experiences are different, I understand.
Charles
