Audio Science Review = "The better the measurement, the better the sound" philosophy

Quiet you said-"

"And proudly, because we all know that saying about opinions, everyone has one. They are pretty much worthless. ASR is quite happy to hear about listening tests, as long as they are only listening tests. It is not a very high bar. Perhaps for the people here it is too high a bar, but not for people that care about sound."

ASR is certainly not happy to hear about listening tests.I was permanently banned for daring to bring up the years of level matched unsighted group tests including listening and comprehensive measurements /reviews by panels of experienced listeners carried out by HiFi Choice magazine.Which is the largest data base of such informaiton available and which consistently reported significant differences between the sound of all classes of components and speakers and which showed a weak correlation between how things measured and how they sounded.So if you report anything that does not align with the pathetically small samples of blind tests ASR bases its narrative on including a quite ancient comparison of SS amps using a very odd speaker with a very abnormal impedance response you will be deleted.

Furthermore when the moderator/gatekeepers of this narrative disallow experience based opinions they have no idea of the level of expertise of the poster.They might be vastly experienced designers who have built highly successful businesses and be highly respected experts on how to make things that sound good.People like Nelson Pass and Herve Deletraz and FM Acoustics for example who have long held the opinion that a lot more than good measurements goes into creating good sound .These are amplifiers and preamps used by some of the world’s best composers and musicians.Not just some ’crazy deluded audiophiles"

The lack of respect and misplaced arrogance is mind boggling.But I guess a simplistic /black and white unsophisticated mindset goes hand in hand with an authoritarian mindset.

Djones51 is exactly right in his assessment of ASR aficionados posted above. My experiences with them have always been very positive. We can debate the relative value of science versus subjectivity endlessly but if people are happy with their components it’s a moot discussion and purely abstract.

But even ASR detractors here will have to admit that Amir”s analysis of manufacturer craftsmanship is extremely insightful and valuable to potential purchasers. You can’t argue with the guy when he shows photos of improperly wired connections, slovenly soldering, faulty grounding, cheap materials, etc. There’s nothing abstract about that. Do you want to pay a king’s ransom to some esoteric company for a poorly made component? Consumers deserve to know what’s going on inside that box.

Anyhow, I hope readers of this thread will approach ASR with an open mind and draw their own conclusions. Ours is a great hobby and there’s plenty of room for different perspectives. 

What esoteric components has Amir really tested, nothing high end.

@quiet When I read this topic and all the posts, it reminds me of arguments between theists and atheists.

To an outsider, perhaps.  In reality it is all prompted by an increase in scientific and  technical awareness thanks to ASR and a consequent rapidly diminishing appetite for uber expensive gear.  

Join the dots as to what motivation the ASR detractors real agenda is.  I don't think the most vocal posters are doing their cause much good, and in fact is probably encouraging many people reading this to check out ASR for themselves.

The law of unintended consequences.

So it is scientific class warfare. The “have nots” vs the “haves”

Really what he is doing is validating to his base that shopping at Walmart is okay. And that is fine but do not attack me for wanting to buy from a manufacturer that makes their DAC in Canada and it cost $10K and yes it sounds better than that $1000 DAC from China.

Amir is catering to his customer base.