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Did Amir Change Your Mind About Anything?

It’s easy to make snide remarks like “yes- I do the opposite of what he says.”  And in some respects I agree, but if you do that, this is just going to be taken down. So I’m asking a serious question. Has ASR actually changed your opinion on anything?  For me, I would say 2 things. I am a conservatory-trained musician and I do trust my ears. But ASR has reminded me to double check my opinions on a piece of gear to make sure I’m not imagining improvements. Not to get into double blind testing, but just to keep in mind that the brain can be fooled and make doubly sure that I’m hearing what I think I’m hearing. The second is power conditioning. I went from an expensive box back to my wiremold and I really don’t think I can hear a difference. I think that now that I understand the engineering behind AC use in an audio component, I am not convinced that power conditioning affects the component output. I think. 
So please resist the urge to pile on. I think this could be a worthwhile discussion if that’s possible anymore. I hope it is. 

chayro

Showing 4 responses by mitch2

mitch2
3,697 posts
 

It’s just data, so my answer is no.

No different than other reviewers, Amir has his own bias.  Yet, some here seem to freak out at the mention of his name.  Earlier this year, Amir gave a positive review to the Hypex NCx500 Class D Amplifier.  This is likely to cause at least a few cases of internal consternation in people who have been waiting for a good-sounding, lower priced, class D amplifier, yet can’t bring themselves to purchase anything recommended by Amir.

mitch2
3,697 posts
 

@alexatpos

"there should be no reason why anybody’s opinion about...something trivial as hi fi...should spoil your feeling or joy about it. Writing bitter posts or arguing, or even giving second thought about it is a total waste of time, isn’t it?"

Yes it is.

These forums seem to expose a herd mentality that mobilizes defenders of the faith when folks drive outside of the "acceptable" lane. Based on the comments in this thread, Amir and his measurements are clearly outside of the lane. Thanks for reminding us this is a hobby.

mitch2
3,697 posts
 

I made the mistake of posting to this thread early on, so now I am curious if any of you know how to unfollow a thread on Audiogon, because I would like to unfollow this one.

mitch2
3,697 posts
 

I am confused about this thread.  Two things that jump out at me are first, that Amir seems to be trying to keep the discussion mostly on-point and related to the science behind his opinions, and second, that a vocal few here would rather jump to name-calling and disparaging remarks than debate the science.  I have never seen a reviewer so called out for every single word they write and every opinion they hold as has happened on this thread. 

The equipment Amir has issues with seems to mostly fall into two categories: either the measurements do not corroborate the manufacturer’s specifications or claims, or the equipment is priced higher than comparable equipment that measures at least as well as the reviewed piece.  That doesn't mean it will sound better to everyone since IMO, measurements alone cannot account for the impression an individual will have about how something sounds.  I can’t understand why there is so much concern and animosity over Amir’s personal opinions about reviewed equipment, since we all have our own opinions.  If you generally don't agree with Amir's opinions, so what, simply don't read ASR.  If his measurements were inaccurate or erroneous, wouldn’t the manufacturers be calling him out?  I just don’t understand what he is doing that creates the level of concern displayed in this thread.  

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