Vacceo
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- Mar 9, 2022
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For dynamic range, it's super easy: there is a massive database where you can check records.Of course they are. Is that the only thing open for discussion here?
I'm not sure exactly how to test for haze, clarity, openness, transparency, dynamics, smear, etc. It would be great if we could (similar to distortion and noise). What I have learned is that the human ear / brain is a fantastic measuring device that can pick out things our instruments cannot (so far). When I design equipment I start with pencil & paper, move on to simulations(optional), then prototypes, doing as many measurements as possible. I pretty much tune everything by oscilloscope. Once that is done I use my ears, as it is the quickest and best way to hear if a capacitor brand or type substitution (or any other circuit change) offers any benefit.
For cables we can check dielectric absorption, permittivity, capacitance, ESL and ESR, field coupling (electric and magnetic). Also, what changes occur over temperature and humidity? Perhaps a TDR would give some interesting results? All of the above parameters could affect sonics. Clearly, a well designed silver / teflon cable might sound better than lamp cord?
Shoes break in as well as speakers. A diamond stylus can wear out. It is easy to understand mechanical changes (leather becomes softer with use). Why not electrical? Tubes fade and weaken as emission and transconductance drops.
For clarity and openeness, those are categories that only people who listen to Diana Krall understand.