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If you perform an objective analysis of sound reproduction, it quickly becomes apparent that once you reach a certain price/performance threshold in speakers, the most critical element -- the element that has the greatest influence on the overall sound quality -- is room acoustics. But it's so much easier to sell expensive cardboard boxes containing obscure brand electronics; there is so much more markup in homeopath…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
After spending a few bucks myself, I second this. The only thing i'd add is, invest in a good pair of speakers, that's where you'd get the best ROI.
I'm amazed at the quality of older speakers when it comes to value for money. I'm using a pair of Chadwick executive 12 cabinets in my living room and they're simply the best sounding speakers I've owned and they cost next to nothing. The only expense so far is cleaning and light refurb to remove rot.
Their version of "low end" is amusing to me. But this is hardly surprising. Hifi suffers from a taxic interaction of diminishing returns and snake oil, and I say that as someone who has spent more than a few dollars myself.
> "low end" No commentary here, but I was interested what it cost, so: Behringer A500: $200 Sony DVP-NS355: ~$50 ATC SCM 12: $1,500-$2,500
A speaker test should show a clear cost/performance relationship.
If you perform an objective analysis of sound reproduction, it quickly becomes apparent that once you reach a certain price/performance threshold in speakers, the most critical element -- the element that has the greatest influence on the overall sound quality -- is room acoustics. But it's so much easier to sell expensive cardboard boxes containing obscure brand electronics; there is so much more markup in homeopath…
What about testing these systems with headphones then?
This is why in any situation with ambient noise (e.g. planes, trains and open plan offices) the highest quality audiophile headphones on the market right now are the Bose QuietComfort series.
From my poor knowledge of music production, in that world "high end" equipment means "as close to truth as possible", not necessarily "pleasant to the ear". I wonder if the expensive set of equipment here measure objectively better than the cheap set. That said, I do believe that the speaker and acoustics of the room determine the objective measures much more than the signal chain...
> From my poor knowledge of music production, in that
> world "high end" equipment means "as close to truth
> as possible",
The deviation from perfect reproduction of sound is something that could be measured and quantified relatively easy, and even mediocre equipment (probably with exception to the speakers) nowadays is able to reach astonishing linearity.
But then people will discuss endlessly about that they feel things sound more "sterile" or "non three dimensional enough" compared to a system that cannot be distinguished by any quantifiable parameter, hence judging them by the tricks that their mind plays on them.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm amazed at the quality of older speakers when it comes to value for money. I'm using a pair of Chadwick executive 12 cabinets in my living room and they're simply the best sounding speakers I've owned and they cost next to nothing. The only expense so far is cleaning and light refurb to remove rot.
> Chadwick executive 12 That term has no Google footprint
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/40792-austr...
> The Executive Monitor from Chadwick Audio Furnishings(NSW) was the top model in the Chadwick range and used a modified Etone245(300mm) unit in a rear vented transmission line enclosure with the Audax 160mm mid/range,25mm dome and an aluminium cone super tweeter. I have no idea how it compared to the imports,in the early 80,s,but many Australian designed speakers outshone the competition in performance and value at the top end of the market;unfortunately there was a cheap product area that supplied bulk stores and these inferior items still surface from time to time.A bit like the white van stuff .