2. analog
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When a Reviewer "likes" something

... what does that mean in your opinion. I read in one of the last Stereophile mags a comment from Mr. Atkinson where he wrote about the differences in "opinions" in forums or in printed mags. After all he ended with the argument, a component is good when a reviewer likes it.
Isn't is more helpful, when a reviewer knows something about a real tone reproduction? Or is it ok, when he used every month another CD or LP he got for free, a kind of music nearly no one wants to listen to?
Harry Pearson used in the 90's always the same records for his reviews but that was an exception I think.
What is it worth for you when - for example - Mr. Dudley/Fremer/Valin/HP .... "likes" something? Do you have the same "taste" they have?
I know it is possible to like a Turntable even when that unit can't hold the proper speed, or is extremely sensitive to any influences, there are endless recommendations written about such units...what is it worth for you?
Atkinson for example measures units, some have top datas but they can sound very boring, far away from the real thing, some have no top datas, some "tests" are shortened because a unit can reach a area which can be pretty dangerous (see one of the latest Agostino units, just as an example) but they are rated Class A in recommendations anyway....
When someone "knows" what is right or not, then his "liking" is only a personal opinion which is more or less uninteresting or?
Most customers (not all of course) would prefer to know what a unit is really able to do sonically, or not? Would knowledge destroy the joy of Hardware rolling? Or is there a reason why reviewers use low efficiency speakers when they have a tube amp for review (for example Lamm ML2.1/ML2.2 with Magico Speakers)? Is the matching "expensive + expensive" the proper way to show competence?
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actusreus
733 posts
 
Raul's post makes you wish Audiogon had a limit on post length so he'd be cut off, just like when you get cut off by some voicemails.

Reading his posts in this thread, I find it ironic that he has "enjoy the music" as permanent part of his signature, but insists that the music that I am enjoying through my tube amplifiers cannot possibly sound good since tubes are so inferior to solid state. Raul, perhaps you should change your sig to "Regards and enjoy the music, but only through solid state amplification, and a moving magnet cartridge"?

His campaign against tubes smells of the same bias espoused by those who dismiss(ed) analog technology as inferior compared to digital sound reproduction. It apparently also reached its limit and couldn't be improved.
wolf_garcia
6,734 posts
 
Any poster claiming "golden ears" is simply silly, and cloaking insulting and weirdly condescending opinion in "factoids" and phony courtesy is merely tedious.
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rauliruegas
13,106 posts
 
Dear Actusreus: Certainly not, I 'm not on any tube campaign, I just shared facts/information about that normally are unknow by some tube amp owners and that in some ways could works as " open eyes " tool . That's all.

+++++ " who dismiss(ed) analog technology as inferior compared to digital sound reproduction. It apparently also reached its limit and couldn't be improved. " +++++

IMHO only a " closed eyes/mind " or with low knowledge level can still thinking that analog is a superior technology against today digital one ( 24/176.8 ). Certainly it is not and for very good reasons that I hope you already knew.

The analog chain technology is almost at its limit but I'm sticky with because I'm still improving by my self that analog chain with un-imaginable improvements/discoveries that a couple of years I was unaware could exist. I think I can go on on this " improvement road ".

++++ " and a moving magnet cartridge" " +++++

Actusreus, about analog magnetic cartridge technology I know at least two alternatives: MC and MM/MI. I like both with its each one virtues and disadvantages. I own several top rated LOMC cartridges and more than one MM/MI gems.

What's wrong to recognize that exist two cartridge alternatives instead only one?, when we have more than one alternative and when we have the knowledge level and skills along the tools to achieve the best from both alternative: whom can ask for more?, these alternatives is a good way to enjoy MUSIC: don't you think?

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
mikewerner
119 posts
 
What it means to me is usually nothing.
When I like something I usually know it!
The problem is bias and habituation.
Like ski goggles- take them off and things look pretty weird for awhile.
Also, expensive things sound better, right?
Be honest, now.
-Mike
wolf_garcia
6,734 posts
 
I think it's clear that most tube amp owners started with SS amps, and switched to tubes as they liked the SOUND of them, and maybe switched back...or not. Raul assumes these people need to be alerted to some Technology Update before they foolishly waste any more time with things he's deemed innacurate...a classic Church Lady.
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