igglebert:JoelSim:
JAXON5:chebby:It can be a bit jarring when someone tells you that your own enjoyment of 'Product X' is technically flawed (or even scientifically proven to be wrong) and that 'Product Y' sounds better despite your ears not agreeing.When it comes down to spending my money, and my enjoyment, I let my ears be the ultimate arbiter in such disputes. I don't care how many scientists groan or how many electronic engineers scoff.We must just use our own ears to guide us ultimately. If it sounds right, it IS right. So long as you like it, can afford it (and the product is safe and of lr egally merchantable quality) then buy it.OK. However there's no disadvantage I can think of, if somone with an informed professional opinion advises us of his/her views. Their knowledge of the subject has to count for something, and when its thrown back in their faces, I can see the source of their frustration. For me, objectivity trumps subjectivity every time but objectivity backed up by subjective views, is of course even better. Ashley's absolutely right when he says arguments based on 'hearing' differences/improvements in sound carry less weight, as peoples ability to hear varies enormously, especially the ability to hear differences which relies on 'memory'. People can shout all day about whether they can hear a difference or not, fact is, for the reasons above the arguments carry much less weight than those which are measurable. Of course there are deficiencies in scientific method, which sometimes can be plain wrong, but until we improve those methods it's the best we have, so I think imho it deserves far more respect. We didn't get to the moon willy nilly etc etc. As far as biampings concerned I think the assertion that having an active crossover between the pre and power amps would be better than biamping via a passive crossover seems logical given the explanations from numerous professional sources - So why all the fuss??
Subtle differences can be difficult to hear, but mine was a big difference. No question.
I have to say, me too. I used to have an Arcam Alpha 8i and 8p used for biamping. Of course, being an enthusiast I spent hours trying different cables and configs. I found that the biamping option made a huge difference but I don't know why on a technical level. I'm inclined towards Ashley's views and it's not the first time I've heard them from the engineering community but my experience speaks (shouts?) differently. Curious.
Biwiring I'm less convinced on. In fact, I've binned the idea totally. I guess it's a tidy way to pack in a lot of metal.
Hey Ig. I'm sure there is a big difference. I'm going to try (passive) biamping myself but from the article I linked and others it would seem that disabling the xover and substituting an active would yield even greater benefits. I'd still want to hear it myself though ;-).
Tim - You're right we should question scientists and engineers and of course that's why there are regulatory bodies that do just that. As with any profession, mistakes will be made, progress can be painfully difficult, but where progress is necessary, the endeavour to advance our knowledge must continue. By the way, as i'm sure you know, Thalidomide is licensed for the treatment of MM because there is good evidence that it works.