Paul McGowan throws in the towel (Not really but it’s movement in the right direction)

[Purité Audio]

Actual measurements can really backfire, if the measured performance isn’t up to scratch, they really instantly squash the hype.
Keith

 

[Taiga]

Taking measurements doesn’t preclude one from
1) obtaining data properly, including proper calibration and controls
2) interpreting data properly
3) suggesting that you detect (hear) things not shown in the results

An instrument is only as good as the manner in which it Is used.

 

[raif71]

Let's hope they would take the same way Schiit did...

Haha...they will have a heresy edition of their product

 

[solderdude]

I hope this goes better than it did with Max Townshend. After more than a year of waiting for proof, the unfortunate end result was still a big fat nothing.

I hope for Paul's sake he lives longer than Max Townshend. Max died in dec. 31 2021 (age 78).
Amir did receive the cables but there were no tests done that can either confirm nor deny any claims made by Max so we'll never know.

The AP also cannot prove nor disprove any of the claims made by Paul. It will just allow him to show measurements done on an AP and most likely to other references and other analytic settings for display.
It is probably best to show own made measurements... those one can control and choose what to show, one does not have control of other people's measurements.

 

[JSmith]

people who buy their products already doesn't care much abut measurements.

Exactly... they expect PS Audio special sauce. When they see in the measurements there is no special sauce... well, time will tell.

And in the future they might actually care more about objective data (and "fixing" some of the "problems"), which will cover folks from both objective and fully subjective side.

Measurement tools are not new for PS Audio... publishing the complete test results is. They're quite aware of how their products measure and which ones don't do what they claim.

PS Audio is one of the main companies responsible for spreading audiophool myths for the betterment of their profits. Suddenly being dragged by the industry to publish measurements doesn't suddenly absolve them of this.


JSmith

 

[VintageFlanker]

Actual measurements can really backfire, if the measured performance isn’t up to scratch, they really instantly squash the hype

At least, the job of being transparent would be done. You get what's advertised.

That's also my main approach when I measure/review products: Does it perform according to specs ?

 

[Keith_W]

Actual measurements can really backfire, if the measured performance isn’t up to scratch, they really instantly squash the hype.
Keith

Don't think so. Go to a subjectivist forum and it's full of people saying that they routinely ignore measurements because they believe that measurements don't tell the whole story. Paul says as much in his video. So he gets to keep the measurement ignoring crowd while perhaps gaining over a few converts. It's a sensible move.

 

[JSmith]

You get what's advertised.

Measurements wise, sure... but what about all the other claims and creative language in their marketing? All the misleading claims they spout, like;

It's the rare few music lovers that truly appreciate the power amp's critical role in preserving music's nuanced details, because most amplifiers fail to preserve them. Overtones from plucked instruments, subtle cues defining placement, depth, soundstage width, and transient decays are often lost in the power amplifier.

When you add the StellarGold Preamplifier into your audio chain—bridging devices like DACs, phono preamps, tuners, or other auxiliaries with your amplifier—a magical sonic revelation unfolds: more realism, life, and space around each performer.

This extraordinary product adds a new level of realism, life, dynamics and punch to your high-end audio system.

If they stopped that, maybe they will be on a path to redemption with some people. Personally for me, PS Audio can never live down their poor history in this regard.


JSmith

 

[restorer-john]

The issue is not whether PS Audio owns or uses "AP test stations," but rather whether they're willing to publish the measurements obtained thereby in their marketing media.

That's what they are called. AP test stations. PSA has many of them. They are used for the purpose for which they were designed - on the production line and R&D.

And publishing internal measurements to keep some random internet trolls on ASR happy? What a joke. Who the hell are you to demand that?

The ridiculous feeling of entitlement these days is hilarious.

 

[TonyJZX]

ehhh, he's hedging his bets

he knows a VAST number of his customers dont believe in charts measurements or anything like that and so he's pandering to them

he knows his stuff is good, let's not get too out of order but its probably not as good as he says they are... which is fine... his audience wouldnt know better anyway

and so why would he publish numbers that allows you to direct compare to other manufacturers?

other companies are more forthcoming

and when he says he will put out charts to 'defend' from the ugly hordes i lost all interest

why are you reactive? be pro-active maybe? he's MASSIVELY defensive for some reason

other companies put all their stuff out FIRST and let the cards fall where they may?

in the end his attitude doesnt show confidence in his products... he's still selling unicorn horns to idiots

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Who the hell are you to demand that?

The ridiculous feeling of entitlement these days is hilarious.

I neither "demand" anything nor do I have a "feeling of entitlement" over this sort of stuff -- not sure WTF you're on about, but you're more than welcome to it.

 

[TonyJZX]

i find it hilarious how some folks here carry water for some companies as if they would give you the time of day

there's respect and whatever in the hell that is

 

[DSJR]

That's what they are called. AP test stations. PSA has many of them. They are used for the purpose for which they were designed - on the production line and R&D.

And publishing internal measurements to keep some random internet trolls on ASR happy? What a joke. Who the hell are you to demand that?

The ridiculous feeling of entitlement these days is hilarious.

According to HiFi Choice tech tests in the 80's, the fugly PS products actually measured rather well for those times and were recommended accordingly.

I seem to recall Jason (Schiit) designing their earlier products as 'good enough is fine' and I think for years during the 'subjective over technical' years, that probably was enough - I wonder if PS Audio didn't go down that road for maybe longer. What I'm trying to say is that Jason and tech partner seemed to regard the 'measurement improvements without compromising sonics' (okay, okay, I do get it really) as a bit of a challenge, so rolled his sleeves up and transformed the product line into something more up to date with really serious specs too.

I know nothing of PS Audio's products today apart from mentions here, but I think it'd be great if they can iron out some maybe inaudible bugs, even in their power conditioners and, for the prices asked, really deliver bang up to date performance in nicely made premium products which won't upset their die-hards, but would give the likes of us less to moan about, as designs today are rather better than simply 'good enough'

 

[Mikig]

It now seems inevitable to me to provide product measurements. The raw data provided in the specifications alone is of little use. It's difficult to get a real idea without having usage data available. I think it's important for consumers and for the manufacturer itself.

 

[Soniclife]

Go to a subjectivist forum and it's full of people saying that they routinely ignore measurements because they believe that measurements don't tell the whole story.

They do say that a lot, but bad measurements of basic audio properties do cause them to pause a bit. But I don't see those that already believe really changing, it's about the future, and giving people the facts to learn from, something that's been largely absent from the hobby for years.

 

[ta240]

The ridiculous feeling of entitlement these days is hilarious.

 

[teched58]

I think I heard that before from someone else

Maybe Paul can publish Eric's measurements for him!

 

[ta240]

i find it hilarious how some folks here carry water for some companies as if they would give you the time of day

there's respect and whatever in the hell that is

I find it hilarious that any defense is seen as 'carrying their water'.
We should only argue on behalf of people or companies that would give us the time of day? I'll remember that each time people rush to defend Toppings reliability...

 

[GXAlan]

I bet the success of the speaker line, which is measurement focused, helped push them this way. With heavy DSP tech in their gear, they can transparent vs. “tuned” sound with a push of the button.

 

[pkane]

Who the hell are you to demand that?

The ridiculous feeling of entitlement these days is hilarious.

I'm the consumer, last time I checked. Asking for measurements isn't as ridiculous or hilarious as you seem to think