John Phillips
pfm Member
Yes but there's a but ...What I do find ASR useful for is picking up issues of QC or corner cutting where there’s say gross channel imbalance, failure to meet claimed specification or performance generally that simply can’t justify the price tag. The zealotry among his acolytes is the off putting part.
I rather agree. It's like John Atkinson in his measurement videos where he states that measurements reveal equipment makers who are not masters of their technology. I think he uses terms like hobbyists who have made a business of their hobby.
However "masters of their technology" implies some standard against which that is measured. It seems clear to me that there are many people out there who really enjoy equipment that does not measure up to the conventional standards. Some kit makers aren't masters of their technology for sure but some seem to deliberately choose less conventional standards.
Over many years I have found that the conventional standards work for me and I can use ASR, Stereophile, etc. tests to eliminate from my shortlist kit that performs "badly" or is just too expensive for what it does. Nevertheless I do still have preferences that are probably not accounted for in the conventional standards. So I listen anyway to stuff on the shortlist and decide then. For others its different.
IMHO it's really good that ASR, GR Research, etc. are there because they give you choice about what to take account of and what to ignore. They have their faults (as for all forums). I do find the occasional hostility strange although not entirely surprising.