05-10-06: Gregm
Tvad notes:
Data is data(...)Whether the specs in the data correlate to improvement in sound is open to subjective interpretation.
I'd agree in principle with what follows -- BUT data and their correlation would be "objective". You probably mean that,
first, we formulate a theory of what data indicate audible differences and,
then we set about to confirm that theory (i.e. "objectivise" the subjective)...
Gregm, what I meant by my post is that data and specs tell us only part of the story. When we start to discuss what entails good sound, or preferable sound, then we enter the world of subjectivity, since we are discussing opinion.
So, while superior test measurements may indicate a superior audio product based on objective criteria, this may not correlate with what some audiophiles consider good sound. However, I'm also certain the engineers who designed an uber-spec'd component would hold steadfast in their preference for that component over one that had inferior measurements. This is what I attempted to explain with my VAC amp illustration.