This is in accord with my experience, as well as the experience of some of my friends. Moreover, the tests which are probably most relevant to sound quality, like TIM and its' derivates, are seldom measured and never published.
Since you don't hear differences between cables, while I do hear, I doubt whether the two of us would agree about the sound quality of any peace of audio gear, including amplifiers. In other words, "sound quality" to your ears means nothing to me (and some others I know).
That is not at all what I was saying. I was speaking as a machinist when I said the cases could be made LESS EXPENSIVELY not cheaply. I don't know the exact dimensions of the BT, so the price of the Al could vary some, but not likely upward as I based this on TWO CASES 17" wide, 12" deep and 3" tall.
I don't do a lot of machining anymore. There are plenty of shops around though.
The BLOWTORCH has been A-B compared to many preamps. I don't do it, our (wealthy) customers do it for themselves. Only tubes have given us a serious run for the money, or perhaps better sound. This is from the people who can have the best in the world, because they can easily afford it. Is or was the Blowtorch perfect? Of course not, we could do even better with a new design. In fact, I am counting on it.
Now when it comes to my specific designs that I am given credit for, and are available for purchase today: They start at $1000 for a 100W/ch power amp. That means that the product has to be delivered to us at about $250, at the dock. What can anyone else do for the same amount of investment? OK everyone, this is your chance.
Now when it comes to my specific designs that I am given credit for, and are available for purchase today: They start at $1000 for a 100W/ch power amp. That means that the product has to be delivered to us at about $250, at the dock. What can anyone else do for the same amount of investment? OK everyone, this is your chance.
I would also like to say that I made no comment at all about the BT other than the metal work.
Steve, please go to the beginning this thread, then go to #11 and #21 of the Blowtorch PART 1 thread. Then, I would be glad to get your estimate, for the FINISHED CASES.
We would need a little more information on the expected performance to answer that. What power at 4 ohms? Is it expected to run a 1 ohm load? You know there is more to it than the 8 ohm rating.
Everyone, it must be realized the WE do NOT set the prices. The machinists set the initial price for us. We get started with one machinist, and we don't want to shop further, unless pressed. We have tried for years to make cheaper cases, WITH THE SAME QUALITY, but we have failed to do so, so far. Criticisms should be backed up by present knowledge, before it is put up.
Steve, I was a little off in my estimates: Actually the Halo A-23 is THX rated at 125W/ch into 8 ohms, it does 200W into 4 ohms, and of course, much less into 1 ohm. 1 ohm loads are tough, unless you especially design the amps to driver them.
It's price, taken from the Audio Advisor catalog SC209 is $949.00.
It apparently won: "Power amp of the year" in 'The Absolute Sound'
It's price, taken from the Audio Advisor catalog SC209 is $949.00.
It apparently won: "Power amp of the year" in 'The Absolute Sound'
Never said or implied that. All I'm saying is that it's easy to find cases where there is no general consensus, even when looking at the same set of numbers. It's the interpretation that's different. Most recent example is the few nanovolts noise that may be induced by RF sources. Same number, different views on whether it makes or not a difference.
So I do care about numbers, but I accept that my interpretation may not agree with somebody else's. I also accept that my view isn't particularly of interest to experts here, because I'm a beginner, limited by my experience, knowledge, etc. However I also believe that all of you are limited by the experiences you had in your life time. To me is just common sense, but I don't expect everyone else to agree.
If I was the only one concerned, yes, it would be best for me. Otherwise, it would entirely depend on the target audience. If my goal was to sell it to them, I'd address their concerns.
In audio, do we not see that at the end of the day, the fact remains, everyone compares to some "reference?" Numbers do get mentioned, but who among you will buy a product with a significant cost, based on specs/numbers, sound unheard?
This may be so, however, it's not the difference in views between Chris and me.
I'm pleased to fully agree with you here – that sound quality will be evaluated completely differently between the two of us. Actually, I'm proud about it, though, alas, it costs me a lot of money.
Indeed, driving 1 Ohm is very tough and seldom needed. However, can that amplifier drive such a load, or 2 Ohm load?
Actually, I'm myself proud of not being able to hear any differences between non-pathologically bad designed or built cables. It saves me a lot of money in various bills
Last edited:
Actually, I'm myself proud of not being able to hear any differences between non-pathologically bad designed or built cables. It saves me a lot of money in various bills
Good for you. However, we can see to what degree we can count on your sound quality evaluations.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.