A - B testing / measurements versus listening. Interview with Bob Stuart / Meridian

[Gordon Gray]

Hi Amigos,

If you are a TAS subscriber, the interview with Mr. Stuart in Issue 194 / August 2009 is, IMHO, quite compelling. If you are not, you may want to read this piece.

We have had some interesting threads / posts on the issue of measured versus the subjective.

This article provides a very succint, understandable discussion as to why the listening experience trumps the measured data and a very good argument as to why A - B tests are inappropriate in assessing the ultimate musicality of a piece of hardware.

GG

 

[tonepub]

And if you'd like a bit more of an insight into Mr. Stuart's design priorities, check out our interview with him in issue 12...

He is nothing if not highly opinionated. I've always felt that Bob Stuart is probably one of the smartest guys in the world of high end audio.

Going to the Meridian factory on the 22nd and looking forward to seeing him again.

 

[JonFo]

Jeff, so jealous, getting to visit the M factory. I've heard it's a beautiful building full of really great people.
I've always admired the output of that company.

Bob Stuart is always worth paying attention to. I have many AES papers, transcripts and videos of interviews with him on my hard drive. Constant reference material.

Is there an online link to that interview? I'd really like to read it.

 

[Gordon Gray]

JonFo,

TAS does offer a digital subscription option.

Gordon

 

[Bernard]

One observation that Bob Stuart made was very interesting (and true):

"If a better system lets you hear an instrument you hadn't noticed before, for example, you can always go back to a lower-quality system and will always hear that instrument".

He certainly does make a case for not believing in double-blind testing.

 

[Gordon Gray]

Yes Bernard,

One of several observations in the interview that I found quite compelling.

I trust those that believe in double blind testing will try to refute.

GG

 

[JonFo]

JonFo,

TAS does offer a digital subscription option.

Gordon

Thanks, and they also have a single edition purchase option, so I bought this one issue.

I'm not so keen on most of their content, but this article on Meridian was worth it.