10 audiophile myths busted

[Macca]

I'd rather have some big JBLs but there's just no chance.

[Marco]

I agree but we are talking about some of the most aggressive objectivists. They use the basic measurements of THD, FR and noise. Those measurements are easy to measure and allows people to get into competitions on the best numbers. In fact, many companies play that game to show that this years model is better than last years. So if you are an aggressive objectivist then any amp with adequate values of those three items gives you a perfect amplifier and they say all those amps sound the same. But that is NOT what is heard.

However, hifi is more complex and those measurements are not of much use with modern SS amps. Go on a forum and say you use a valve amplifier and THD, noise and FR are quoted as reasons that they should not sound very good. If you say that the valve amplifer actually sounds better then the accusation is you like distortion and noise.

Once again, George, your post contains much truth - the last sentence in particular, as I've often been subjected to that rather ignorant assumption!

Marco.

[Marco]

Indeed, I never mentioned full-range single-driver units, nor were they what I had in mind.

So what did you have in mind?

Marco.

[struth]

Once again, George, your post contains much truth - the last sentence in particular, as I've often been subjected to that rather ignorant assumption!

Marco.

Valve amps Ive had were all very good, noise wise. In fact i kinda wish I had a nice valve amp now, as my speakers would be great with one. Not to say the mono's Im using are not adequate, but the quality of top valve designs can produce an intoxicating brew.

[magiccarpetride]

Once again, George, your post contains much truth - the last sentence in particular, as I've often been subjected to that rather ignorant assumption!

Marco.

When I mention how I like the sound of Denon DL-103, I tend to get the same response: "oh, so you like distorted sound?" Why is that?

[walpurgis]

Yes, a good valve amp can be quiet, even in balance and very transparent without obvious colouration. Not sure how that may equate with 'distortion and noise'.

[walpurgis]

When I mention how I like the sound of Denon DL-103, I tend to get the same response: "oh, so you like distorted sound?" Why is that?

I can understand that to an extent. Their resolution of high frequencies can be bettered, but apart from this they turn in a decent enough performance. I've owned a few of them.

[magiccarpetride]

I can understand that to an extent. Their resolution of high frequencies can be bettered, but apart from this they turn in a decent enough performance. I've owned a few of them.

I did notice graininess in the upper register with DL-103, but I explained it away with the fact that it is riding a sub-standard tonearm (Rega RB300). Haven't tried my DL-103 on my new Jelco yet...

[mikmas]

Pretty much given up following the convolutions of this fairly pointless thread ...

I was waiting for the 10 Audiophile Myths to be named (and the consequent busting thereof) but I'm guessing that's a lost cause

[alphaGT]

Myth #1,
“The stereo that measures best will sound the best”, - False

Myth #2,
“The only way to evaluate good stereo is with a recording of live acoustic music.”, -False

Myth #3,
“Dark Roast is the best coffee”, -True

Help me out guys.....


Russell