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Re: Out of curiosity

DN - I didn't design the Creek integrated amplifier (or any other for that matter), so I can't comment as to why it sounds good.
It's not perfect (my Audio Note single-ended amps are more 3D and "you are there" experience) but is good solid-state for the money.

I'm no amp designer myself, but that is besides the point. The question was why does the Creek or other tube like SS designs not have the Lavardin described thermal distortion audible effects when they should. Or does they? Or is Lavardin (and those who claim to hear the "effect") simply wrong? Wouldn't you at least be interested in finding out?
FYI, all SE systems that I have heard have sounded rather dreadful.
But since I am incapable of hearing "through" entire systems and isolating only amplifier sound, not much conclusion can be drawn.
Perhaps it was poor "synergy" as I have often been told.
Never had a SE in my own system (with all else held constant) that I could live with. Woefully inadequate power and a bit too much syrupy sweetener special effects for my taste.

DN - Music and hi-fi products are created to provide enjoyment to people. That is their ultimate goal and purpose.

Agreed.

DN - Watch the show American Chopper.

I don't watch TV. Don't even have cable (except for Internet). I'm aware of that show.

DN - Yes, big companies have the financial resources to develop state-of-the-art R&D and test facilities, have the best evaluation rooms and equipment, etc. that small manufacturer's could only dream, yet they usually don't. Harman's facilities leave a lot to be desired in terms of demo/evaluation rooms. Their high-speed speaker switcher doesn't play speakers in a manner that is representative of actual home environments (mono - not stereo, room overly dead), and their listening panel members aren't usually audio enthusiasts which I think is a problem if one is trying to extract the most performance from a product.

Their listening panels are probably *far* better at judging that "Joe strictly uncontrolled listening at home audiophile" where magic dots have a huge impact on sound, etc.
My main critique would be that their training include extensive listening to live *unamplified* sound. Then they might start hearing those darn boxes :-).
Harmans Infinity line scores at the very top in its price range (go listen to similar priced boxes) as does Revel (as good as it gets within the box paradigm). They must be doing something right.

DN - Toole himself is not much of a listener, as I personally witnessed one afternoon in 2000.

Please expand. That is quite vague.

DN - From what I've read B&O seems to have an interesting facility which some day I'd like to visit.

I'd rather visit ME-Geithain to see their flow resistance techniques.
Very applicable for a great many rooms that audiophiles think they are getting good sound from. Never been impressed with B&O's speakers irregardless of their facilities.

DN - If a magazine like Hi-Fi Choice, who perform group product evaluations using blind methods to a listening panel, say one product is better sounding than another, then their findings are backed through plausible testing methods.

I cannot seem to find anything about their test controls on line.
Link? I may have to purchase a hard copy at the local bookstore.

DN - Again products from mainstream brands have received good reviews too, but in HFC they seem to receive them less frequently than smaller, specialist brands.

Yes, that worries me about the validity of their test methods. Unless of course the countless previous tests which show that to be quite the opposite are all flawed. Did you notice the RMAF tube vs ss test on Cordell's site? Test procedures need to be tightened up, but...

DN - In my experience, the best way to reduce the overwhelming influence of speaker-room interface is through directional speakers. As you know, this is one of the main design goals in my Sequence speakers. My other comment is not to expose oneself to loud sound levels from music or industry or other sound sources. These are all recent developments in mankind's history and detrimental to hearing acuity. The better a person can hear, the more likely the differences they can hear.

But of course :-).

cheers,

AJ

The threshold for disproving something is higher than the threshold for saying it, which is a recipe for the accumulation of bullshit - Softky

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