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Propeller Head Plaza Technical and scientific discussion of amps, cables and other topics. |
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Propeller Head Plaza Technical and scientific discussion of amps, cables and other topics. |
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In Reply to: Re: Therein lies the rub posted by theaudiohobby on February 10, 2006 at 01:50:37:
>>Nope...Why not?
Finding the sound one likes best is the definition of the subjectivist - listening and comparing is the only avenue to achieve this goal. One's personal audio philosophy be it the "live reference" or just somekind of personal warm and fuzzy is what differentiates those within the subjectivist camp. These differences though they MAY make for interesting debate are really irrelevant to the definition of a subjectivist - whats important is a sonic philosophy and the processes required for those philosophies to manifest themselves in the final system. Listening comparisons are an essential element of the subjectivist.
The objectivist has little need for listening. Measurements and specifications are really all he needs to know. Ultimately I find these kind of audiophiles much less well represented, at least in the press and in public, than in the past. I miss these guys and think objectivism at it's best is at least as credible a philosophy as the most refined subjectivist perspectives.
The "sightophile" abohrs listening comparisons. These are the kind of people who assume or want us to assume a more expensive component is better. They would or expect us to chose a class B v. a class C component, without first listening and feel justified in doing so - with full confidence and no chance of having second thoughts. These are the kinds of people who would feel completely satisfied, or expect us to feel satisfied, spending $5000 on a CDP manufactured by a small company without ever even bothering to listening to what others consider to be a good mainstream $500 CDP - and then will get defensive when challenged to do so.
I consider myself an audiophile and a subjectivist - but I do listening comparisons (long term whenever possible) before any audio purchase. I welcome DBT, sighted, blinded comparisons and find them useful in helping me make my choices. Yes I understand that in my little world that my approach could be labelled as "bad science" but it's all I've got.
That all being said I find the mainstreams audio presses arguments against DBTs and their failure to deliver even side by side listening comparisons of components at different price points in various systems an embarrasment to the hobby. I think they're (the audio press) mostly a joke and that they operate purely for the convenience of the manufacturers because they empower the audio detectives (those figuring it all out in their heads)and "sightophiles".
Give me rhythm or give me death!
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Follow Ups
- Re: Therein lies the rub - Don T 06:06:57 02/10/06 (2)
- I agree & disagree. (long) - cheap-Jack 11:02:23 02/15/06 (1)
- Re: I agree & disagree. (long) - Don T 18:31:24 02/17/06 (0)
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