I would still like to see some measurements showing impulse response.
The band limiting filters, around 20 kHz, that are used in DACS can give low SINAD for steady state tones, but can cause pre ringing or post ringing.
The multi tine signal graphs may cover that, but I would have to think about it.
And I have an old “pre millennium” CD player, and no state of the art digital.
It's a good argument, but I must admit that I needed the help of a search engine to follow your reasoning - SINAD = Signal to noise and distortion ratio.
As you may have guessed, I also have a similar difficulty with much of what’s being presented on the ASR website.
For example, the $899 Topping DS90se DAC (no 1 on their list) is said to have a metric value of 123dB at 4.2volts.
On the other hand PS Audio $6000 PerfectWave DirectStream DAC has a value of 75dB at 1.4 volts.
Now what does this really mean?
Obviously 123dB is better than 75dB, but for me anyway, it would be really helpful if there was some indicator of where the threshold of human hearing lies.
Another example might be if a turntable that has wow and flutter measurement of 0.1% and another has one of 0.01% and a third has one of 0.001%.
Obviously, less wow and flutter is better but again, where does the threshold of human hearing lie?
Yet another question, as you mentioned, might be, what about other possible relevant measurements?
Which ones are the most relevant?
Anyway, ASR is nevertheless a wonderful resource. Hopefully in time, as our own personal knowledge increases, more of this terminology will become clearer.
This reminds me of the problem I had when studying the Psychology module at university. The sheer amount of terminology being thrown at us really exasperated me.
I found it frustrating that they were using so many words and phrases that would have no meaning if I tried to use them on the street or with my family and friends.
It bothered me back then in the pre internet age, and I guess it still does now, albeit to a lesser extent.
Anyway, in the end, since folks like Amir have far, far more knowledge and experience than most of us here do, and their findings are open to scrutiny and challenge, then why not at least have a look?
