>> The question I've got in mind is can we discover
>> the quantities that make an amp sound good?
If you get 20 people that like the sound of an amp together.
Chances are really good that you will have 10 or more reasons
why each likes the sound of that particular amp.
People hear the same equipment differently.
People have different criteria and priorities.
Some are sensitive to phase anomalies.
Some are sensitive to resonance spikes.
Some are sensitive to slow dynamics.
Some are sensitive to roll-off highs or lows.
Quantitative analysis will not get anywhere.
>> if indeed components can be characterized to the required degree
I believe you can but whether the character is good or bad
will always be left up to the individual.
Anyone else's opinion on it will only be that.
>> the designer needs to apply Engineering principles
>> in order to get a good amp.
But IMO it's all about balance.
Too much DCR and no dynamics &
Too little and you get ringing etc ...
>> It seems like a popular sport to deride the accomplishments
>> of degreed engineers.
I do not deride but promote balance.
Engineering only gets you so far.
Art/Experimentation only gets you so far.
Tinkering/Tweaking only gets you so far.
Add them up and you can get most of the way there.
The other factor is luck, on striking the right balance
for a full presentation without any weaknesses
that at least you can percieve.
>> if one is out to judge a group by a few...
I wish it were only a few out there but it isn't.
Sorry - at least in my experience it isn't.
50% know enough to do their job.
25% are above and 25% are below.
The top 25% are a joy to work with.
The bottom 25% need you to nurse them along.
DanL
