How much can be measured -- and how much cannot?

"Despite audiophile claims to the contrary the science of of sound reproduction is extremely well understood"

No doubt. One is always at risk when proven scientific principles are ignored or not applied in solving a problem.

Here are the most useful audio specifications/measurements for me that I tend to always take into consideration:

Input and output impedance so these can be matched between components for better dynamics and lower distortion.

In addition, for amps, I look at power ratings, damping factors and current delivery related specs to get an idea of how well an amp might be able to drive a particular set of speakers.

Sensitivity related information can be useful as well,especially when dealing with various phono section designs and speakers.

I do not usually pay too much attention to distortion specs. I will look at various charted lab measurements if availble from a reliable source in order to gain more insight when possible.

That's mostly it that I can think of off hand.

I would say that a basic understanding how to interpret and apply audio metrics is a very advantageous skill for any true audiophile who wants a systematic means of improving their sound reliably to develop. It's something I am still working on and I try not to lose any sleep over these things though I probably have in practice from time to time.

03-19-12: Ahendler
Actually I have never found measurements to help me in any audio decision to by a certain product. Measurements are helpful in the design process but do not tell you anything how a component will sound.

They won't tell you that the component will sound good, but they will often enable you to predict that the component will sound bad in a particular application, as a result of the kinds of mismatches that have been cited.

Basically, they allow you to narrow the field of potential candidates for purchase, to minimize trial and error, and to reduce the likelihood of expensive mistakes.

Regards,
-- Al

"Audiophiles focus on what sounds good"
Of course we do if it does`nt sound good why bother?
I don`t know what your priorities are but I only want audio components that allow me to 'enjoy' the beauty and emotion of music. If you can`t connect to the music what are you listening for?
Regards,

This is like Rashomon. It is amazing how many differing points of view there are on this subject. Each one seems to be a valid part of this complex puzzle. IMO. The question remains, which aspect is the predominating factor -- or is this a matter of co-important factors?

Regarding the example in the introduction regarding John Atkinson's measurements of the Playback designs MPS-5, I would have been interested in hearing a discussion between the reviewer and John Atkinson as they listened to the PD together after the measurements were taken and after John Atkinson wrote about his observations.

Another recent example comes to mind -- John Atkinson's recent measurements of the AMR DP-777 opposite the reviewer's observations. John Atkinson expressed disappointment with the measurements of the AMR DP-777 where the reviewer praised the unit very highly.

Is it possible for the twain to meet? Would it not be interesting for John Atkinson to sit down and listen to some music with the reviewer when all is said and done to see if he finds the actually listening experience as irksome as his measurements? I think it would be interesting to hear their cross-talk.