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In Reply to: RE: Does anyone understand McIntosh? When I was in college ... posted by jnr on May 20, 2016 at 12:33:00
I don't get meters. To me, they seem like an unwanted distraction while listening. Their information value is dubious. They require extra circuitry which can only degrade the purity of the audio signal path. And they add cost.
Another thing I don't get is handles. Does anybody even try to lift high end audio components by the handles? I'm the kind of person who prefers a clean look, but even if I liked a bit of decoration why handles?
Follow Ups:
I own an Audio Research SP-15 preamp, with the handles.
They are for rack mounting. Which was the original intent with early ARC. The design just stuck.
The ARC handles can be taken off, though the panel is still the extra wide for rack mounting. For amplifiers, I own a 60lb amp and I am very glad it has handles.
I also own another 80lb device, Furman REF 20i, and it does NOT have handles. It is a PITA to move around. Ditto the 60 lb PS Audio P600.
BTW, Bryston offer rack, no rack handle options. Same price with or without.
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Beatnik's stuff http://web.me.com/jnr1/Site/Beatniks_Pictures.html
'To me, they seem like an unwanted distraction while listening.' Agreed that is why I turn them off when listening.
'Their information value is dubious.' A matter of opinion I guess. I find knowing the power output quite helpful at times especially when trouble shooting a problem. In addition on ARC amps the power meter also serves as the bias meter. Quite helpful when dealing with lots of output tubes. No need to probe around inside with a DVM to adjust bias.
'They require extra circuitry which can only degrade the purity of the audio signal path.' Not so if implemented properly.
'And they add cost.' Quite correct.
'Does anybody even try to lift high end audio components by the handles?' Yes all the time. My REF300 is 132# and my VT150SE is 78#. Nearly impossible to move without handles. Even my REF75 is 50# and the handles are helpful.
These features may not be of use for some folks but they are far from superfluous. At least with ARC gear. Meters and handles are placed there for functional reasons.
The meters are for mood enhancement and... the hell of it?
I love the handles on the back of the new Pass Labs amps. They make lifting 100 plus pound amps much easier to move. I don't get meters on solid state amps. The on on my Pass Labs 30.8 hardly ever moves, thanks goodness it's not bright or distracting. I find the tiny meters on the Allnic gear very helpful for adjusting bias.
Beatnik's stuff http://web.me.com/jnr1/Site/Beatniks_Pictures.html
...or maybe industrial/lab instrument like.
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