Also beware of "difference" as opposed to improvement.... when something sounds different and is substantially more expensive, we sometimes like to convince ourselves that the difference is an improvement......
Digital reproduction beyond audible distinction is so easy to find in any good gear. How close to perfect does it need to be? Distortion now so low choice can more often come down to price, tonal preference, usability, esthetics and such.I think most of us now, we know that your DAC should be pretty much perfect, unless you’ve not been paying attention.
Most half-decent amps should be the same, as long as you pay attention to power vs speakers/listening distance/volume required.
So it’s down to the speakers.
And yet I feel they’re catching up. Okay, you’ve got to do more research and put a bit more effort into it. But I’ve been reading reviews of a number of speakers, and (again, depending on how loud you want them to go), you can reach dizzying heights for just a few hundred pounds.
It’s truly a wonderful time to be listening to music at home.
Very good points made. Can't allow ourselves to be led on by what we really can't decern and doesn't matter. Like opinions ears are different. Love the ASR technical chats and the usual humorous side notes.Agree. Measurements are one data point. But one must understand how they are done. I haven't the slightest idea of how to perform accurate measurements but I do know different equipment and settings can significantly change the outcome of what is seen and measured. I too am grateful for Amir's assistance and created a post dedicated to that but it takes two points to draw a line and a conclusion IMHO. Amir gives us one to get us going in the right direction. Our ears the other. Independent research and honest advice is an invaluable roadway between the two.
I understand what dialoum is getting at and have mentioned it. That's part of what my post is about. Some equate cost with better. Not always so. Sometime it's just the bling. Sometimes people hear what they want. Or what a chart or voice in their ear tells them to hear. It must sound better so that's what they hear. If it makes people happy so be it but it doesn't mean it's better. For me measurements are a great tool and lend clarity and explanation to results and expectations. But we are not machines which is why this thread and others have repeated shown that measurements are not the alpha and omega. And why so many opinions exist and why preferences for audio equipment ranges so far. Some like bright others mellow. Solid state or tubes. In the end regardless of anything else the ears matter and should be the determining factor of where you put your money. If we were the same we'd be buying the same thing but we are not. I could care less what an "expert magazine review" or graph says if I don't like what I'm hearing. We are not cyborgs and honestly too many go along with what they want to believe or are told. Lemmings.
In the end if I have to be sold by one thing it's my ears.. I literally have to live with them. : D
The feedback on this thread is rewarding. I've used it to narrow my choices. Hats off guys.
Lots of good advice and insights here. Much appreciated.
I stay busy and do need to pick up a high performing Bluetooth set. I know Bluetooth is not lossless so there's one compromise right out the gate. I planned to test some Sony XM5s and Bowers and Wilkins PX8s. Perhaps Focal Bathys. And of course look at suggestions here.
Style, comfort/fit, brand recognition, elite/esoteric status, collectability, "this one just makes me feel good" are few of the many things that have nothing to do with "is the sound good according to measurements", disposable income: are a few of the many, many reasons for the discrepancies.I went through many threads and didn't see a post discussing this topic. Apologies if I missed it.
Is there that much of a noticeable and significant difference between the audible performance of over the ear headphones costing a hundred or two and ones ten times that price? As much as I love the sound of well made and matched audio equipment I can not wrap my head around the concept of a headphone in the thousands being used for home audio. Can the untrained ear even hear a difference? My hearing is very good but . . . I can perhaps see the need in professional editing where the budget allows and the music engineering demands the best. But for home use?
I once asked a professional concert violinist if she could hear the difference between a Stradivarius and the best made modern violin. She said not likely. And certainly no average listener would ever be able to. She said owning a $10M violin is about the name and collectbility not sound. It must "sound" better because it costs $10M right? More money equals better. But this philosophy just doesn't always pan out. Especially with the imperfections and marked difference of human ears.
And a $3000+ home headphone . . .?
Help me get it.
Lol, with fuel prices where they are it might actually be best to just spend the million.If you can't spend a million you might as well just listen to the radio in your car, LOL.
Exactly. That's probably a if not the leading error and misconception of placing all else before your ears. Doesn't matter what the measurements or another opinion says if your ears say "No". Like buying a shoe that doesn't fit. Although people do it all the time for some of the very reasons you mentioned."is the sound good according to measurements",
20 years in the car business. Lamborghini, you spelled Porsche wrong… Vette’s are cool but track day Saturday equals shop on Monday 90% of the time. Porsche track day Saturday equals commute to work Mon-Fri rinse repeat. There is a difference and it’s massive.DVD you wrote:
…If I could afford a Lamborghini I'd likely buy one too but a $100k Vette will outrun and outgun it for half the price.
I didn't mention Porsche. FWI I own one and wouldn't misspell it and ran mine at VIR. Lamborghini is spelled correctly. Would have loved to have seen that at the track.20 years in the car business. Lamborghini, you spelled Porsche wrong… Vette’s are cool but track day Saturday equals shop on Monday 90% of the time. Porsche track day Saturday equals commute to work Mon-Fri rinse repeat. There is a difference and it’s massive.
Same can’t be said for cans though
Not in a position yet, but the Porsche 911 Dakar has me drooling. The dealership up the street from me is the number one Dakar dealer in the world right now, Colorado Springs so it’s very appropriateI didn't mention Porsche. FWI I own one and wouldn't misspell it and ran mine at VIR. Lamborghini is spelled correctly. Would have loved to have seen that at the track.
Regarding the headphones - perhaps. Thanks for the thoughts.