TAS. The Absolute Sound?

Very true indeed!

I cannot even imagine that a so simple acoustics truth is denied because someone believe as ultimate measuring truths solution the designer marketing department so good his amplifier could be...

i will add for more precision : "the lesson is (electrical )measurements are a tool for the designer .How it sound is for the listener" in his room dimensions , geometry +acoustics materials content for his specific ears canals measures and HTRF .

still laugh at how we were all caught up in amplifier specs in the late 70s/early 80s. % THD and power output seemed so important. Then one day I heard a good amp without negative feedback which is how they got such great looking specs. The lesson is measurements are a tool for the designer. How it sounds is for the listener.

@jasonbourne71 . Here's a footnote from Archimago--

"Abso--- So--d even declared MQA “better than Hi-Res!” on an issue cover and the editor Robert Harley even states that “MQA is the most significant audio technology of my lifetime.”

Gotta love sellers/ sales-persons ....  Don't lose your salt shaker :)  (RIP Jimmy Buffett.)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, TAS, Stereophile and other uber-high-end mags and sites are nothing but audiophile porn - enticing us to drool at the (for most of us) unattainable.

I think TAS and Stereophile are a great place to start. Helped me as did AG forum. Big learning curve. I will never spend uber dollars though. For me a system of $4000 may suffice, well $12000 if i could. Enjoy.

@jbmac75

+1

The Absolute Sound, Stereophile, and HiFi+ are outstanding sources of information and comparisons. While there is some variability in neutrality, it pales in insignificance to other sources…  forums, marketing info, etc. They use accepted terminology, typically identify their components, venue, and history. They review a significant number of core contemporary components. Critical in this is very high end components that we cannot afford. It identifies the state of the art, providing a reference to what can be achieved at the cost no object level, so they (and we) can assess lessor products.

I have read these magazines more or less continuously since around 1980. The landscape is many times more difficult to assess because of the incredible proliferation and diversification of products. This is the place to start if you are serious about high end audio. Read about every product you can. Then go listen to them. Over time you will understand what they are saying and will be able (this takes a long time) to read a review and go in to audition a component and know what it will sound like.

High end audio is a very complex and ambiguous pursuit… these publications… although not perfect are outstanding guides. Never read marketing info… now that’s not going to tell you anything.