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
texasblues1959's avatar
texasblues1959
118 posts
 

My reference system is my reference system. 

cey's avatar
cey
297 posts
 

i dont know why so many people have jammed this up with BS answers. its VERY SIMPLE. there is NO AMBIGUITY to its meaning. 

an incredibly transparent, revealing system with  the highest  fidelity that acts as a standard for comparison (reference) for all other audio systems and media. 

in other words, the standard is so high that it its fidelity is more like a calibrated measuring device than a not. 

the phrase "reference system" can be used however one wants, but that doesnt mean its correct. 

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
853 posts
 

@devinplombier 

 

lol. You may be on to something….

viridian's avatar
viridian OP
5,203 posts
 

Thanks to all who played. This morning, I just cracked open my second bottle of Thunderbird (hey, it's a holiday), and it hit me. Thunderbird is my "reference" hooch. The one that I judge all other hooch by. Otherwise, I would never know how good Cisco, Night Train, Tango, Richard's or MD 20/20 is. I wouldn't even have an appreciation for Colt. So this reference stuff has legs. I'm in. Drink up folks and don't pull anything during your Easter egg hunt.

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
758 posts
 

 Thunderbird is my "reference" hooch. The one that I judge all other hooch by. Otherwise, I would never know how good Cisco, Night Train, Tango, Richard's or MD 20/20 is. 

I have never heard of any of these names. I suppose I need a better frame of reference. 

More to discover