In article , Keith G
wrote:



So if you want to claim that modern TTs sound better than those of 40
years ago I suggest that some evidence would help your cause. I don't
mean personal anecdotes, but a properly conducted listening test.


Exactly, but not so 'easily 'doable' in the real world unless you have
the resources of a trade magazine,

Actually quite 'doable' by amateurs **if** they want to actually do so. But
not something achieved by casual listening at home where the object is
simply to enjoy the music.

The main requirement for controlled comparison tests that can give
assessable results are that those involved understand how to carry out the
comparisons, and then put in the time and care required. In general neither
very expensive nor requiring costly test-equipment (beyond perhaps the
items to be compared!). It also doesn't require any particular
qualifications or skill in science or engineering. Although if people want
to understand *why* tests might best be done this way to avoid misleading
outcomes they may have to spend some time on studying the reasons for
various comparison and assessment methods.

So just really down to people being willing to put in some time and care.

My unreliable recollection is that some groups of enthusiasts *have* done
such controlled comparisons in the past. But they tended to then be
'dissapointed' by finding a tendency for the results to show less sign of
the audible differences between costly and more basic kit that some people
tend to think will present. However I mainly recall amplifier comparisons,
not ones on TTs as my 'professional' interest in days of yore was amps and
tuners, not TTs.

The common outcome was then to 'blame the test as being useless' if the
results weren't what people probably wanted. Shoot the piano player. :-)


then you'll have the journos to write it all up in a completely
subjective, flowery and meaningless way.

That bit you can bypass. Just publish the raw results and give details of
how the comparison was done. :-)

My own turntables are a mix of 70s and 80s 'cooking quality' Lenco
and two Technics because, wait for it, I don't believe expensive
turntables would sound any better. But I don't actually *know* that
because I haven't tried any really expensive turntables....

Nor I. Not seen any reason to do so beyond mild curiosity about what people
spend big sums on. :-)

FWIW I had a Garrand 301 handed over to me some time ago. Didn't want it,
so gave it to a friend to play with. http://www.audiobuilder.co.uk/ No
idea if he is using it yet as he has one of the newer SME decks with all
the rubber bands. :-)

BTW He does design very nice amplifiers.

Slainte,

Jim

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