AudioSage — free audiophile app, looking for beta testers (Android)

[john61ct]

An apple cannot change the nature of the tree that bore it.

 

[RetroStereo]

An apple cannot change the nature of the tree that bore it.

LOL! No, but gamma rays can alter the genetics of its seed and the next tree will, for better or worse, be different.

 

[ctbarker32]

And I did that with the older version of your app (and I will again with this one). But if it doesn't recognize something, it should just say it doesn't recognize it. Extrapolated specs that are just plain wrong are going to discourage use. When it doesn't recognize something, maybe it should ask for clarifying information.

You are correct. I thought I had enough safe guards in there but I have gone back and added more. Here's what was done. Next build will have this logic.

Found the gap. The prompt says it has "encyclopaedic knowledge" but never explicitly tells it to admit when a specific component is unrecognized. Rule 1 covers fabricating specs, but nothing covers fabricating the existence/reputation of a model it doesn't know. I'll add that now:

The new rule is live. The AI will now explicitly say "I'm not familiar with that specific model" for any component it doesn't recognize, rather than making something up. It'll also prompt the user to share specs so it can still be helpful with setup or matching advice.

This was a gap in the original prompt — the "encyclopaedic knowledge" framing in the intro was actually working against honesty by implying it should always have an answer.

 

[ctbarker32]

I'm plugging in my system into your new version and it's up to its old tricks. It just informed me that the Parks Audio Waxwing phono preamp is a popular tube phono front end noted for its warmth and musical quality. If it can't identify something, it should admit it. This kind of AI extrapolated hyperbolic conjecture is insulting.

Here is the new response for the Waxwing. I checked and it was released in September 2024. I think this response is pretty correct.

"Moving to the phono stage, the Parks Audio Waxwing is a gem in the hobby, celebrated for its transparent and dynamic presentation. It's a solid-state design that aims for accuracy, letting the character of your cartridge and records shine through without adding its own sonic signature."

 

[ctbarker32]

I'm plugging in my system into your new version and it's up to its old tricks. It just informed me that the Parks Audio Waxwing phono preamp is a popular tube phono front end noted for its warmth and musical quality. If it can't identify something, it should admit it. This kind of AI extrapolated hyperbolic conjecture is insulting.

So here is the updated response for a product it doesn't recognize. The Mavis Phono Preamp was just announced at Vienna 2026.

Next in the chain is your Mavis Phono Preamp. I must admit, I'm not familiar with this specific model, which suggests it might be a very recent release, a boutique offering, or perhaps a custom build that emerged after my knowledge cutoff. Without reliable information on its design or sonic characteristics, I can't speak to its specific contribution to your system's sound, but a good phono stage is absolutely critical for extracting the full potential from any turntable.

 

[RetroStereo]

So here is the updated response for a product it doesn't recognize. The Mavis Phono Preamp was just announced at Vienna 2026.

That's pretty good. I don't think it needs to be quite that wordy, but it's okay. The Parks Audio Waxwing is old enough that it ought to know that it is a fully digital phono preamp with DSP equalization.
I had noted enough stuff in the old version of your app that it had my system down pat. This time I started by listing brands and models, intending to go back filling in the notes afterwards. It got really crazy with no direction. It recommended a preamp with 3 inputs for a system with 11 sources.
My solution for that in the old app was explicitly saying which item was connected to what input, etc. Calmed it down a bit.
I'll keep playing. It is actually kind of fun seeing how ignorant it can be at times and how accidentally brilliant at others. It's also fun manipulating its responses.

 

[ctbarker32]

I am just checking in to see how people are liking the new features of HiFiSage. I have added a lot of new things to discover as well as new feed sources. I am particularly excited about the new "Trending topics" in the Forums page which looks at the latest topics across multiple forums and synthesizes common discussions. Also, I added Podcast (audio) of the Day. And for vinyl enthusiasts a new card listing the latest audiophile vinyl reissues.

The big news is that I have submitted my app to the Apple store and hope to be able to provide an open tester link this week. I will post a message when I have news.

 

[ctbarker32]

Big day.

I am very happy to announce that my app HiFiSage is now available in the Apple App Store for general testing. It will ask you to install the TestFlight app and then HiFiSage. It has taken me several months to get to this point so I am very relieved. I hope you enjoy this app and please share with your friends.

HiFiSage TestFlight on Apple.