What is a "reference" system?
OK, most of us have an audio system, mine even works some of the time. But I see that some members have "reference" systems. This has to be better than the assorted junk that I have piled together. Probably a lot better than your rig as well.
But really, what distinguishes these folks "reference" systems from the pedestrian systems that the rest of us have? There must be something, or they could just save the keyboard time and drop the word when discussing their gear. And I am not referring to reviewers, that is a different story and one to examine more carefully in the future.
To me it is the system with which I use to compare other or new things. If I am looking to buy a new component for this system, my second system, for a vacation home, or to recommend to a friend or relative, I (at least in my own mind), compare it to my 'reference system', where it I have the best I have assembled. It does not imply it is better than any one else's system at all. If one said 'my best system' would this be less off putting? |
I have one very modest system. To me a reference system is someone else's setup. If it were mine, I imagine I would have to have several homes, audio rooms, 3 or 4 decent setups to call one reference, one that is the most balanced, neutral, not necessarily the most enjoyable but the one that would appeal to the largest audience. The obstacle though is, even if I have unlimited funds, I would make my one system the best. I don't know why I would have a 2nd system in my home? |
@viridian Just jargon used on forums. If we want to be technical it is a system that is targeting a standard. What standard that is that people on forums refer too, I have no idea I have had my HRTF stuff modeled so I know my idea of neutral is a -0.75dB/Oct tilt from 20Hz to 20kHz. so, using room treatment, speakers that have the best baseline balance and using DSP to add finishing tweaks has helped me achieve this tilt in my 2.2 setup Reference also refers to how effortless a system can get to 80dBSPL sustained over a passage of a song and how it can handle dynamic transients which means distortion and compression rejection should be a good thing for that system to have. Outside of the technical delta which defined the tolerance amongst humans for what is perceived neutral, anything that is said to be reference is just what someone personally finds appealing. That’s my 2 cents though |
