I might add that DBT is actually seldom valid in audio. Despite its scientific promise it offers no guarantee of delivering a valid observation. I related elsewhere about witnessing a change being commented on at length and backed up with the usual audiophile terms, and by most present. Then it was discovered that (accidentally) nothing had been changed. DBT appeals to psychologists, sociologists and marketing professionals, and it provides proof of nothing except how complex perception is.
I also note the mention of measurements. Trust but verify is a nice concept, but over the years meter men have been responsible for as much bad information about audio sound quality as true believers of concepts not remotely demonstrate-able. Neither approach reveals reality any better than actually hearing it for yourself. Both approaches are famous for facilitating smoke and mirrors, and neither can be demonstrated to prove anything meaningful re:sound quality to be true or false. In really egregious cases like the frequency reproduction of Bose systems, measurements can demonstrate gross faults. But they are useless when separating a good system from a great one.
One thing that should never be considered in defining high end is fancy appearance. Quality construction and fit and finish can be a plus for an equipment owner. It implies a degree of added reliability. But unless you mean the self serving BS definition of high end by the usual purveyors of expensive equipment which may or may not sound wonderful, it must be agreed that Italian design and red/chrome cages over tubes are not a factor in the end result we want from high end. That would be great sound quality.
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| Based on this there are of course a strong correlation between price and High-End. |
That makes as much sense as the old bad example, "All gangsters are Italian, so all Italians are gangsters." There is no real sense or logic in it. Much that is labeled High End is so ridiculously overpriced that it invokes laughter. The intended market(s) for such wares - people of much wealth, a desire to own the best and obtain exclusivity, and who possess no real audio experience or knowledge - are well known for not buying great performing equipment if it does not cost a lot. Just one example, I can tell you Grommes would have sold a lot more amps if they had charged more for them.
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| Professionals know that all the replay equipment in the world (at any price) is only as good as the acoustic environment in which it's placed. |
I very much enjoyed gregorio's post but this bit begs clarification. On a speaker forum I have been saying "It's the room" until I turn blue in the face. This, on the other hand, is a headphone site. Room treatment, other than say a nice oriental rug or your favorite music posters to enhance the mood, is for headphone listeners as useless as throwing a salt shaker into the ocean.
Clark
