Alternative platters ?

You'll like this:
Some 20 years ago I was experimenting with an arm, which I still have in my arm(oury) (groan, sorry) - was it really that long ago?
Anyway, I haven't released it because it is perfect. And I mean all but perfect. Well, at least it measures perfectly: Over the majority of its range, it has no detectable blemishes. Quite amazing.
It's a shame it sounds so odd! And I mean ODD. Totally non-viable commercially speaking.

Like I said: Measure at your peril.


Arthur

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Originally Posted by Marco

Yes, but that's far from always being the case, Neal. There are numerous pieces of audio equipment tested (rather thoroughly) all the time in the mags. If specs are your 'thang', then one only has to consult the technical performance section, next to the subjective review, in the likes of HFN or Stereophile.

If you're talking about aftermarket upgrades from small, specialist manufacturers, such as Mike New and Funk, then that's a different kettle of fish. However, at the end of the day all that's really required to judge their efficacy is a good pair of ears, the confidence and gumption to think for oneself, without relying on the promptings of others, and a suitably revealing system :)

Marco.

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Still....it would be nice to have alternative criteria instead of the 'trust me I'm a doctor, you don't need to know' mentality. The problem with ears is the emotional carbon based life form they are attached to!

Indeed, yet I'm sure it's ultimately what's been used to make the final 'judgement calls' in the assembling of your own system! ;)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by NRG

...The problem with ears is the emotional carbon based life form they are attached to!

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Hi Neal,

Well I do have a 30 yr old sillyscope you can plug (your cart, arm, tt, phono, pre, amp, speakers, mic, amp, cables, mains cleaner-uppers, downers etc) into if you'd prefer, for, as we all know, like photos, measurements don't lie.:lol:
At the least, they'll stay consistent.

Arthur

ps: I wish I had the answer. I don't
pps: Marco, two short posts, can't be feeling well.

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Originally Posted by Marco

Indeed, yet I'm sure it's ultimately what's been used to make the final 'judgement calls' in the assembling of your own system! ;)

Marco.

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Actually, no, not all of it. ;)

So, in the final analysis, you've trusted a piece of measurement apparatus over your ears? Is that what you're saying - or do you mean that the results, produced by the test apparatus, merely confirmed what your ears were already telling you?

I can go with the latter, no problem, (and indeed have done so in the past), but I would never make a final judgement call on anything in audio, based on measurements alone, if my ears were quite clearly telling me a different story (one which indicated the better sound - and I was convinced that I was right), even if that 'better sound' couldn't be 'objectively proven' :nono:

Marco.

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Originally Posted by FunkArt

You'll like this:
Some 20 years ago I was experimenting with an arm, which I still have in my arm(oury) (groan, sorry) - was it really that long ago?
Anyway, I haven't released it because it is perfect. And I mean all but perfect. Well, at least it measures perfectly: Over the majority of its range, it has no detectable blemishes. Quite amazing.
It's a shame it sounds so odd! And I mean ODD. Totally non-viable commercially speaking.

Like I said: Measure at your peril.


Arthur

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Hey

That was my arm you bastard! (Or rather the idea we discussed in the summer, and were talking about 25 years ago) :lol:

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Originally Posted by Marco

Or when the manufacturer and/or dealer inhabits your favourite Internet forum and is more than willing to send you a sample of such to audition at home, in your own system (for an extended period of time), prior to purchase ;)

That is how the likes of Martin and me make the vast majority of our buying decisions! :)

Marco.

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Like I said Marco. You're very lucky. I'm lucky too (albeit in a "don't get out much" sort of way). I get to borrow stuff and try it at home too. THE PROBLEM I WAS HIGHLIGHTING is NOT EVERYBODY CAN. They can rely on knowing you will advise what they might like. But how much nicer if they could listen themselves. Like good retailers used to let you. I don't blame you for being smug, but not everyone can start their own forum to get manufacturers to lend them kit to play with.:(

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Originally Posted by Oldpinkman

Hey

That was my arm you bastard! (Or rather the idea we discussed in the summer, and were talking about 25 years ago) :lol:

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Well, if you haven't collected it in 25 years, I think I have fair claim to it now!:D
(Assuming we are talking about the same arm...not sure we are:scratch:PM?)

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Originally Posted by Marco

I would never make a final judgement call on anything in audio, based on measurements alone, if my ears were quite clearly telling me a different story (one which indicated the better sound - :

Marco.

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Very few people would, I imagine. Specs and measurements for me are a way of narrowing down what is worth trying. For example if I was looking at new 'speakers I would discount anything that did not have an extended bass response. I can do that from the spec and the measurement alone. Other's opinions and the price are two other factors involved in that process. Once I have it set up in my system it is the listening that decides the final outcome. I imagine a lot of people choose kit that way.