What amps do Electrical Engineers own...why?

Another interesting item in this same vein. Back in the day, one of the Big Three Audio magazines ran a monthly article, interviewing and showing the Stereo systems owned by major world class musicians. I guess nowadays it would be called 'Systems of the Stars' Now that was an eye opener!

"what we did in the studio was based on our ears"

Well, that explains a lot.

"Going just by specs, a Sony receiver from best buy has better printed specs than most high end equipment."

WOW!!! Never thought I would live to see this admission. You better ask for witness protection!
Cheers

Sspecs were once very important in audio, and still are in EVERYTHING else. I remember back in day when brands like McIntosh were considered high-end. If memory serves me, they would send techs around to your home every so many years, to bring the amps back up to factory SPEC, for the life of the amp. This was back when this was a REAL hobby. NOW, it's just a status thingy to a lot of people and the sellers / makers are just meeting a demand in the market. Just make it look a certain way and cost enough to keep the lower classes out, then declare specs irreverent! It's how it sounds that matters. And they don't even have to make any claims as to how their stuff sounds, the marks, errrr , I mean, the buyers do that for them. It's the perfect setup!! Only in audio!!!!.

Shouldn't we be influenced more by engineers, than by 'audiophiles' when it comes to electronics? That's the trouble with getting away from science. Then EVERYONE's opinion is equally valid. In the world of magic and mysticism, anything is possible. Effect without cause. I would like for someone to name ONE Amp with horrible specs, that sounds good.

"Could it be that this hobby has become more about art than engineering"

A lot of people would like to think so. Reason being, The Mona Lisa is art, so is some guy throwing buckets of paint at a canvas in NYC. Some people feel comfortable with that situation. Everything is Valid.
I believe the truth is sort of like what the Russians said when they were accused of stealing the plans for the space shuttle (which I am sure they did ). They answered by saying, when you solve the problems, the shuttle is where the physics and engineering takes you.
Cheers

Actually, The last sentenced I typed was, 'Please no Tubes', but I deleted it before I posted. Dang!

BTW, Almarg, I know you to be the most informed and knowledgeable person on the 'gon, So you know exactly what my statement / question / challenge was about. Bringing up tubes is avoiding the issue. :)
Cheers

Almarg,
Thanks for your well written lucid explication. You have sent me back to the books. :) I am beginning to understand the downside of negative feedback. I always knew it was required to control distortion, but there seems to be a better (more expensive) way. I have found some good internet sites that go into detail as to why lesser amounts of feedback is desirable.
Your post is one of the few that has explained WHY high-end amps cost more and should sound better. Now all I need to do is find an 'affordable' amp that meets that criteria.
Thanks for the reply.
As pertains to all my previous posts: never mind.
Cheers