@prof
"This is the deep irony/hypocrisy that almost always arises in these threads.
For the most part people making the "ASR-type case" are trying to offer a reasoned case with civility. The ad hominem and insults, like above, tends to come from the "anti-objective" side...who then go on to blame the "objectivists" for being the dogmatic thread-crappers."
Not really prof. You and a few others who push the ASR line are polite and engage in interesting conversation and banter. Quite a few others are rude and objectionable and behave like yapping dogs. Amir himself is one of these. Another one accuses posters from this site as lying but has produced no evidence or quotes to back this up, Another one appears to deny the existence of a thread on ASR itself showing that 39% of Topping amp purchasers have problems.
I don't think anyone here is weird enough to push the line that a magic wood from the Amazon jungles will give you that special sound. However many of us do take the line that dacs do sound different and that perhaps a wonderfully measuring dac pushed by Amir does not sound that great. It is these areas which cause exasperation and friction - when the ASR community says you are crazy for spending $x on A when B measures far better and is a better product.
Also I think Amir's iron fisted approach of throwing out everyone who disagrees with him is pretty rude and shows the sort of person he is. I feel sorry for him as he appears to need confirmation from his members and brooks no debate.
Most here are happy to discuss and debate with reasonable minded people.