We have sort of gotten off track from the original intent of the message, which I have already responded to. No, I don't that anyone other than the manager of the site should have veto power and delete anyone's posts. All that would happen as a result would be posters deleting contrary viewpoints.
Again, rude behavior should be addressed. Differences of opinion, (and yes, most times, it comes down to opinions). If it isn't provable by confirmed science technology and standards and isn't accepted scientifically, it is opinion.
Now before you all take my head off, pray indulge me Any device, fuse, transistor, resistor, circuit, capacitor, tube,etc. that is placed in the signal path will affect the signal. But there are technical reasons behind this. I don't begrudge people for not getting engineering or technical degrees, but this really comes down to what is scientific fact and other's opinion. Either you know what you are talking about or you don't and it is opinion.
Take for example fuses. This is a long standing argument. But, if that fuse is in the signal path, then yes, it will have an impact. Current, voltage, VA rating, impact the signal. also, impedance is quite important.
To simply throw one's hands up and say it doesn't have an impact is irresponsible. If the device is constructed such that under normal or extreme loads the voltage doesn't dip and the current carrying capability is handled by the device and the impedance does not change. Then no, it will not impact the signal. If, however, those do change, then it will impact the signal. This is engineering 101.
If a person tells me that changing the fuse made a noticeable difference in sound quality, I guarantee you there is a technical explanation.
But, there had better be a A/B comparison and the circumstances must be exactly the same to make such a claim.
Same with listening to pre-amps, speakers, amps, etc. Did you set and write down the volume level and make sure they were matched first? If you changed any other component during this evaluation, then is was not a fair A/B comparison.
Soundstage??? come on people. First how was the recording done in the first place? On some digital recordings going straight to a mixing board there isn't a sound stage in the first place. The engineer may put an artificial one in, but that is what it is. If, however, the engineer knew his/her stuff, the proper mike placement and use is paramount. Proper equipment, etc. The only real way to know for sure is for the engineer to hear the play back and make that determination. The rest of us weren't in the room and your playback equipment may have been designed to insert artificial characteristics into the sound.
The reasons why some things aren't scientifically tested or proven is quite simple. They are not cost effective to do so. Who is the audience? Will I recover my costs if I come up with the scientific technique? In the case of audio, the answer is NO. Of course scientist and engineers can come up with the test and methodology. There is simply no real reason for them to do so here. If there was mass market, military, or large consumer implications, then they would be all over this. This is a technical universe. Of course it can be done. There is at this time no real justifiable reason for anyone to take the time and great expense to do so, to simply satisfy a few high enders.
Autos are different. the technology trickles down from extreme super cars to mass market cars. GPS tracking was/is military based. But, look at most car adds today. It isn't the car most are selling, it is the new/latest and greatest electronic bells and whistles. This won't fly for mass market audio (at least I don't think it will). Most non-audiophiles listen to music as background music. They couldn't care less about soundstage and dimensionality, etc.
Just my two cents worth. However, I don't like rudeness in any form. I agree that must be called out and stopped. We can disagree and have rational discussions, but to call names, and add insults, well. That's another story.
enjoy please
