[shard]

This does not necessarily apply to VR-Zone but it definitely applies to other audio related forums.

Too often I see someone posting about an Amp, Dac, Source etc based solely on the specs or components used. The poster may never have auditioned it but somehow based on the different components used and the technical specs, an item is praised or condemned.

I on the other hand believe in component synergy. You don't necessarily need the best of everything to get good sound. The different components have to work well together and as a whole they may actually sound better than the sum of the individual components.

This applies to the bit and pieces that make up an Amp, DAC or source or the individual components that make up an audio system, from source all the way to speaker/headphone.

There is a saying, it is very easy to obtain good sound with alot of money, but the key is to do it for less. (The same applies to wine:p)

Don't take other people's word for it, listen for yourself. You will be surprised.

[kickaboob]

Pretty difficult to do unless you buy and sell leh.

[shard]

Originally Posted by kickaboob

Pretty difficult to do unless you buy and sell leh.

Actually most places will let you audition before buying. Some places even let you bring the component home for a few days so that you can see if it fits in with your overall system.

[shalom]

maybe you can share with us some examples of components which you have been through.

[simplyadvanced]

yeah. agree.

can't really test a component by itself

[shard]

Originally Posted by shalom

maybe you can share with us some examples of components which you have been through.

This is exactly what I am trying to avoid. It is one thing to read what someone has to say. It is another to actually hear it for yourself.

Best case scenario, the person has actually heard the component and is posting real life experiences but even then, is your setup exactly the same?

Worst case scenario (my pet peeve), the person is just basing his comments on the specifications of the opamps, DAC processor, capacitors etc and has never heard it in real life in a real listening situation before.

This thread is not about what I have heard and what I like. At the end of the day, audio is very subjective and it is different for every individual.

[wwenze]

Yea... when specs isn't everything

1) When X-Fi cards have ~100db or higher SnR yet sounds worse than other cards with lower values, just because the SNR is that of the DAC and not the whole system

2) LM4562 modding on sound cards = GOOD, GOOD! Interestingly, there is a thread on another problem titled "The best op-amp for xxx card is... no op-amp".

2b) Same thing to be said for OPA607

3) "Digital out always sound better than analog out". 'nuff said.

But then again... you can't really print the music on the packaging, so have to use figures instead.

[shard]

Originally Posted by wwenze

Yea... when specs isn't everything

1) When X-Fi cards have ~100db or higher SnR yet sounds worse than other cards with lower values, just because the SNR is that of the DAC and not the whole system

2) LM4562 modding on sound cards = GOOD, GOOD! Interestingly, there is a thread on another problem titled "The best op-amp for xxx card is... no op-amp".

2b) Same thing to be said for OPA607

3) "Digital out always sound better than analog out". 'nuff said.

But then again... you can't really print the music on the packaging, so have to use figures instead.

I think it is fine to print the figures and to publish specifications.

What I dislike is that alot of people judge an audio product based on the bits and pieces and the specs of the bits rather than actually auditioning it.

Oh no, this DAC uses a brand X processor, it is not the latest, it sucks.

Oh no, this amp uses brand X capacitors, it sucks.

Oh no, this sound card uses crappy opamps, it sucks.

[mylica]

well, so far, I found all the posting in VR zone is relevant and not biased. We just share our opinion bout the amp, dac and etc. Just some information for people here before they really go for audition.

[wwenze]

Originally Posted by shard

I think it is fine to print the figures and to publish specifications.

What I dislike is that alot of people judge an audio product based on the bits and pieces and the specs of the bits rather than actually auditioning it.

Oh no, this DAC uses a brand X processor, it is not the latest, it sucks.

Oh no, this amp uses brand X capacitors, it sucks.

Oh no, this sound card uses crappy opamps, it sucks.

But one thing for sure about capacitors...

Oh no, this PSU uses Fuhjjyu caps. It's bound to explode in 6 months time.

[gabond]

i trust my ears

but then again the wallet overrules sometimes

[hkc2000]

hmm...
but gollum reccomendation has never gone wrong b4

but ofcoz... its ur ears...
even if u r listening to a 100k sound system...
ur ears dun like... also liddat...

tats wat i feel la...
and ears do change as time goes by...
dunno y recently like to listen to RNB...
lolz

[shard]

Like I said in my initial post, it does not really apply to VR-Zone, but other places.

[wwenze]

This kind of thing is very rampant in "the other forum", and not just audio parts.

Can't say this forum is totally free of it too though.

[Gollum]

a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.