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the meaning of the word "better"

thr word better is frequently used when comparing the sound of components.

yet, it leads to ambiguity when there is no statement of the specifics as to why one component is better than another.

aside from the obvious connotation that better entails a subjective perception, the termm leads to ambiguity when used by itself.

i would hope that in the future when the word better is used in the context of comparing components, the user will explain what he /she means by "better".
mrtennis
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
"Better" is subjective. Some folks have a preference for one part of a huge range of attributes.
I know I do.
I am most concerned with upper frequencies, clarity, 'air'
So I can live wihout 'slam' punch' etc..
So for me, one change could be a 'big inprovement, and the same to another a terrible mistake. Because we listen most, to different thing within the musical presentation.
And favor different parts of it in our minds.
NO ONE is really 'neutral'. We all have biases
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
Of course, "better" is subjective, and(by definition), "different." To me; If it(whatever has been changed) sounds more like what I hear, listening to live music; it's, "better!"
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Hi Elizabeth. You mentioned that word "neutral". It always annoys me when people (mostly reviewers) describe components as 'more neutral or less neutral'. What does that mean?
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
Hearing 'better' is in the ear of the beholder.

Mezmo, are you a fan of 'House Of Lies' ?
Love the terminology.
bizango1
276 posts
 
All very cerebral and appropriate responses.

What about my amp is better than your amp neener neener?

That is frequently present on AG if you read between the lines.
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