pj_rage
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2009
- Posts
- 117
- Likes
- 11
I think Skylab is very clear that the amps are rated entirely on sound and the rankings do not include features, dac components, battery life, etc. I also think that he's pretty clear that the rankings are only his opinion.
Still, I understand your point, especially about the extended time frame, which makes me wonder how well he may remember an amp he heard a couple years ago and hasn't owned or heard since, but still, I take his rankings for what they are worth... just his opinion of how well they stack up against each other as best as he can remember based on his notes. I still do my own research for other people's opinions of the products as well.
It's true though, given the sheer amount of amps he has tried, he's clearly an expert on the topic and therefore people (rightfully) trust his opinion, and when sound quality is most people's top priority, it's hard to want to choose an amp that is lower on the list. I guess for that reason it may give vendors pause to send him their products, if they fear that it may wind up lower on the list for whatever reason.
Really it seems a big part of the problem, if there is one, is the weight his opinion carries given his reputation. If I were to rank 50 amps in my opinion, no one would care because I don't have the same reputation that took years of solid reviews and helping others to build. But if Skylab says an amp sucks, or that another amp costs less and sounds better, people will be hard pressed to buy it.
Anyway, even though I recognize the potential problems with the system, I'm personally still really glad that Skylab does rank the amps. It's nice to have a quick reference guide to the opinion of one of the most respected members of the community. I don't think it's the bible of portable headphone amps, but it's definitely a great point of reference. I think so anyway, so many thanks to Skylab! I only wish there was a similar guide to desktop amps, and even more helpful and intriguing would be one for DACs.
Still, I understand your point, especially about the extended time frame, which makes me wonder how well he may remember an amp he heard a couple years ago and hasn't owned or heard since, but still, I take his rankings for what they are worth... just his opinion of how well they stack up against each other as best as he can remember based on his notes. I still do my own research for other people's opinions of the products as well.
It's true though, given the sheer amount of amps he has tried, he's clearly an expert on the topic and therefore people (rightfully) trust his opinion, and when sound quality is most people's top priority, it's hard to want to choose an amp that is lower on the list. I guess for that reason it may give vendors pause to send him their products, if they fear that it may wind up lower on the list for whatever reason.
Really it seems a big part of the problem, if there is one, is the weight his opinion carries given his reputation. If I were to rank 50 amps in my opinion, no one would care because I don't have the same reputation that took years of solid reviews and helping others to build. But if Skylab says an amp sucks, or that another amp costs less and sounds better, people will be hard pressed to buy it.
Anyway, even though I recognize the potential problems with the system, I'm personally still really glad that Skylab does rank the amps. It's nice to have a quick reference guide to the opinion of one of the most respected members of the community. I don't think it's the bible of portable headphone amps, but it's definitely a great point of reference. I think so anyway, so many thanks to Skylab! I only wish there was a similar guide to desktop amps, and even more helpful and intriguing would be one for DACs.