2. misc-audio
  3. 194141-1466

What is a "reference" system?

OK, most of us have an audio system, mine even works some of the time. But I see that some members have "reference" systems. This has to be better than the assorted junk that I have piled together. Probably a lot better than your rig as well.

But really, what distinguishes these folks "reference" systems from the pedestrian systems that the rest of us have? There must be something, or they could just save the keyboard time and drop the word when discussing their gear. And I am not referring to reviewers, that is a different story and one to examine more carefully in the future.

viridian

Showing 1 response by realgoodsound

realgoodsound
78 posts
 

Frankly, it's whatever you say it is. For some people, it could be the $1 million dollar system at AXPONA that featured the new $395k Wilson Audio XVX speakers. For someone else, it could be an NAD 3020 driving a pair of Dayton Audio Classic C65 speakers that cost $75 a pair. 

To me, the concept of a "reference" system is just another aspect of "audiophilia nervosa."

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