Re: Do all amplifiers sound the same?

On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:19:12 -0800, Steven Sullivan wrote
(in article <flb8ag01e0r@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>):

> Sonnova <sonnova@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>> On Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:45:57 -0800, jeffc wrote
>> (in article <fl398501m67@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>):
> 
>>> "Arny Krueger" <arnyk@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
>>> news:fku1p50hnu@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>>> 
>>>>> Some will argue that well-made amps that measure the same
>>>>> will sound the same.
>>>> 
>>>> The myth here is that two amps could measure the same. Even each
channel 
>>>> of
>>>> a stereo amplifier will measure differently, given sufficiently
accurate
>>>> measuring gear.
>>> 
>>> I don't believe the measuring tests are really that accurate.  If you 
>>> doubt 
>>> this, consider: voice recognition is extremely difficult for even the
most 
>>> sophsticated equipment, yet trivially easy for even children.  The
same is 
>>> true for image recognition.  Measurements might be good enough for the

>>> cell 
>>> phone generation, but that ain't sayin' much.
>>> 
>>> Theoretically, if it can't be measured it can't be heard.  But just 
>>> because 
>>> it can be measured doesn't mean it is being measured. 
>>> 
> 
>> And since even if everything we hear could be preceisly quantified and 
>> weighted according to the requirements of human perception, that still 
>> doesn't mean that the ordinary audiophile would have access to the 
>> equipment 
>> with which to make those measurements for himself. We have two
instruments 
>> we 
>> can use when choosing audio equipment and we carry them with us
everywhere 
>> we 
>> go. Use 'em!
> 
> In using any tools, it's im****tant to keep their limitations in mind.
> The 'two instruments' you cite are part of a system whose well-known
> inaccuracies and tendencies to error, tend to be ignored in audiophile 
> culture.  

But, when they're all you have..... 

Tell me. How do you choose new audio components. Do you drag a lab full of

test equipment with you to the audio salon? (If so, I'll bet the store
owner 
just LOVES to see you coming :->) Or do you make your own components, 
measuring everything as you go along?