Is the Scientific Method applicable to Audio?
Certainly yes, if you mean about Audio Technology.
Is the State of the Art of Audio Technology "satisfactory"?
I mean, is the State of the Art of audio technology satisfactory in bringing the choice of an audio device that has certain "qualities" to Listening?
In other words, is the Scientific Method also applicable to Listening?
Certainly not exactly, as Science is not able to measure the perceptions of Listening and cannot give indications relating to the timbre that must be expected from a device or the kind of the sound-image, or the clarity and sweetness of the medium, or the solidity of the bass or the silkiness of the high frequencies without listening to it first (by connecting it in a pre-configured and already known audio-system).
It seems that not being physical quantities there is no way to measure them.
Does this mean that Listening is more important than Science and Technology?
Your knowledge and your (even irrational) thoughts are more than welcome.
Thank you
Certainly yes, if you mean about Audio Technology.
Is the State of the Art of Audio Technology "satisfactory"?
I mean, is the State of the Art of audio technology satisfactory in bringing the choice of an audio device that has certain "qualities" to Listening?
In other words, is the Scientific Method also applicable to Listening?
Certainly not exactly, as Science is not able to measure the perceptions of Listening and cannot give indications relating to the timbre that must be expected from a device or the kind of the sound-image, or the clarity and sweetness of the medium, or the solidity of the bass or the silkiness of the high frequencies without listening to it first (by connecting it in a pre-configured and already known audio-system).
It seems that not being physical quantities there is no way to measure them.
Does this mean that Listening is more important than Science and Technology?
Your knowledge and your (even irrational) thoughts are more than welcome.
Thank you
Sad truth is that you need to like anyything on Earth to enjoy it , not just audio 🙂
I hope you don't really need an answer...
I hope you don't really need an answer...
I agree (apart from the "sadness" that I do not share) with the first part of your answer and thank you for your appreciated contribution, however I think that nobody really needs an answer since the truth is never one.
It depends what your goal is. If it is the most accurate reproduction of the input signal at the speaker terminals, for instance, the Scientific Method will get you there, or as close as you want to spend money and time on.
If your goal is to please as many listeners as possible, with all their different preferences, there's no single answer, scientific or otherwise.
Jan
If your goal is to please as many listeners as possible, with all their different preferences, there's no single answer, scientific or otherwise.
Jan
Most (if not all) of us have our own set of brains and hearing so our perception of listening is individual. Also our taste of music or taste of reproduction "qualities" is individual. This makes all "sounds better" comments highly subjective and not necessarily applicable to others. OTOH measurements are an objective way of comparing devices. They are very useful e.g. in pinpointing flaws in design or implementation.
Good measurements and good sound are not mutually exclusive. There is absolutely no reason why a well measuring device could not also sound good.
Good measurements and good sound are not mutually exclusive. There is absolutely no reason why a well measuring device could not also sound good.
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Well, 1035 pages on that matter with no agreement. Imagine that!
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/sound-quality-vs-measurements.200865/
Brace yourself for another 1000. 😀
If you like it it's the best thing there is!
I bet you didn't run a full set of medical analysses on your mother's milk.You enjoyed it to the fullest.
I bet you didn't run a full set of medical analysses on your mother's milk.You enjoyed it to the fullest.
As noted above, there is already a long running - and closed - thread on this topic. No more is needed.- Status
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