Interesting article. Of particular interest considering some of the discussions we've had:
Quote:
When the results of the blind test were analyzed, the tubed Radford had come in first, despite showing the poorest measured performance. (Needless to say, its secondhand value soared after the review appeared.)This result dramatically illustrated almost a quarter-century ago that the association between measured performance and sound quality is uncertain
Quote:
Many of us working in the audio industry have long been aware that measurements do not fully describe sound quality. Moreover, it seems that measurements fail to describe some of the more important aspects of subjective perception. For example, we may guarantee that an amplifier will have a perfectly flat frequency response under normal conditions of use, yet we cannot explain why it may still sound duller or brighter than another comparably "flat" amplifier
DJ
Lecktor: Then how did you catch me?
Graham: You had disadvantages.
Lecktor: What disadvantages?
Graham: You're insane.
For example, we may guarantee that an amplifier will have a perfectly flat frequency response under normal conditions of use...
all the more reason why measurements into static loads tell us shit. but yes a nice article. it should be noted that bell labs was quite aware that simply replacing tubes could result in a substantially different sound which was a driving force for the implementation of negative feedback in order to create a product with consistent behavior.
all the more reason why measurements into static loads tell us shit.
Agreed, but I don't think they mean testing amps should be done under static loads. I don't think Stereophile favors measuring into static loads for more clarification of their real world tests go here:
it should be noted that bell labs was quite aware that simply replacing tubes could result in a substantially different sound
Yes and they had a perfectly valid solution for that but their application was not exactly home audio. They had their reasons for doing that but as we know there is no cure-all solution to all things. I like tube gear(and so do many others) exactly for the reason quoted above. Also remember they are talking about amps in general and there are many SS designs (not the good ones) that use tons of feedback to lower the output impedance and to flatten out the FR (like many PA and digital switching amps).
Actually one of the intentions was for home audio but that was a long time ago. I know you like tube gear A good article though and it should have gone a little deeper with a little less mystical. I also find the reviews getting better. I hope the trend continues.
The point of the article is obvious. I should sell my Krell CD-standard and buy a vintage Radford tube system. Ebay here I come!
"Did you know that more people are murdered at 92 degrees Fahrenheit than any other temperature? I read an article once. Lower temperatures, people are easy-going, over 92 and it's too hot to move, but just 92, people get irritable."
A good article though and it should have gone a little deeper with a little less mystical. I also find the reviews getting better. I hope the trend continues.
