What does REFERENCE mean?

I read it everywhere - my reference system, reference levels, reference material. What is that?

michaelkingdom09-08-2013 12:37pm

rja Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,112 posts 09-09-2013 at 06:50am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Basically it's a marketing term that may or may not have any real meaning. Anyone can stick "reference" on their product as there are no rules, regulations or criteria (that I'm aware of) for its use or meaning. However, I believe most audiophiles would agree that true "reference" products have existed in the past and currently exist. But I think what was once a reference product, say in 1965 or 1980 is probably not one today.
jafant Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,525 posts 09-09-2013 at 11:08am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Michael - the term reference means a product that exceeds any previous standard w/in the same catagory.
jburidan Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 672 posts 09-09-2013 at 04:22pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Favorite
nonoise Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,382 posts 09-09-2013 at 04:29pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It can also imply to consumers that a particular product, or line of products, are the manufacturers best efforts.
jafant Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,525 posts 09-09-2013 at 05:50pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Right On! Nonoise.