Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater AVR What to buy, need help???

Thanks - looks like the best thing I've found yet; I look forward to reading it more carefully.

I remember reading this article years ago. Thanks so much for posting it.

I can tell you that the price difference between an ML 433 and an Emotiva MPS1 is not the result of a "better" ML design. The Emotiva uses more parts and similar toroids/caps/metalwork, etc. Perhaps Emotiva has an efficient supply chain and enjoys more material and labor productivity than ML and passes these savings on to its customers. And Emotiva's pricing model is "cost plus" whereas ML's is "market-based".

I had the chance a number of years ago to A/B my old $250 Yamaha stereo receiver with an $1800 NAD. Neither I nor my two buddies could hear a difference.

A good article Spoiler. I'm surprised JohnK had not posted the link more quickly. Though articles like this can be found around written by audio gurus (such as Masters, Loftt, Toole), i have yet to see a SINGLE similar article of a double blind test where someone could tell differences between quality made amps and brand name receivers (or similarly gauged boutiqe and 'common' gear).
I only ever read about the subjective rantings as to how those who want to see the science and numbers behind the conclusions have never:
A) heard a really good amp/cdp/{insert gear here}
B) must have poor hearing
C) are using a switcher that is corrupting the signal
etc.
etc.
etc.
etc.
etc.
etc.
etc.
etc.
etc.
etc.............


Anyone who doesn't have their own A/B switcher before stating such subjective conclusions as fact are being hypocritical. They want 'naysayers' to supply truth and fact but the 'believers' never supply any of their own beyond "what they swear they heard".
Anyone who has ever wondered how the magic trick was done knows how easy it can be to HONESTLY fool the human senses. What i fail to understand is why the 'believer' camp finds it so hard to want to try an honest A/B blind test to find out for themselves what is the truth.
Anyone who has had the opportunity to do this type of switching while auditioning at our home has fast become a believer of a different theory.

If two quality amps sound different it is because they were designed with some sort of filter, are not functioning properly, or they have a pathetic power supply. If an amp measures a frequency response flat across the spectrum and its power supply is not taxed, then once again i ask, "explain to people the very reason for how it sounds different"
Still waiting for a non-magical explanation and i've been on these forums now for oh about 5 years...

Magic is real! I tripped over it when I was walking to work on a rainbow this morning.

Quote:

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Magic is real! I tripped over it when I was walking to work on a rainbow this morning.

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My daughter believes in the leprachaun from the Lucky Charms commercials, but in her defense, she is only 3.

Right, chess; I've linked the Stereo Review test results several times in the past and could have done it again here, but didn't think that much discussion on the point would come up yet again. The article is a classic that remains unchallenged, i.e. unchallenged by solid evidence, not simply by those who stubbornly refuse to face the facts.
There aren't any miracles in audio, and keeping one's mind open to objective evidence, but closed to BS sure does help a lot in grasping this.

mdrew, JohnK may have stated many times that most receivers / amps are only using about a single watt or less on average at comfortable listening levels, but he has always qualified that by explaining that since music is dynamic, it often requires short bursts of tens or even hundreds of watts depending on listening habits. This requirement makes using an underpowered amp a bad idea.

Now, so you feel comfortable in this camp, here's a gift.

It looks like a sweaty glass of motor oil.

Some may say that's exactly what it is.

I knew there was a reason I didn't like the stuff...

<runs away>