Quote Originally Posted by FLZapped
So just what IS high resolution? How is it measured and quantified? Why is it that audiophiles cannot seem to agree on this concept? (Especially when you get the tube vs SS guys in the same room.)

You also make assumptions that you're test scenario is exclusive in it's ability to find audible differences.

What makes you think that "Joe Sxpack's" hearing is any more deficient than a self-professed golden-ear? -Bruce
Alll of those are good questions, Bruce. I count five, so I'll respond to them by number.

1. This is a question with highly subjective answers. It certainly doesn't equate directly to investment because there is a lot of expensive gear available that doesn't sound good. I'll throw my dart against the wall and suggest that it is any system above your basic receiver with bookshelf speaker setup.

2. Well, unfortunately the measurements we have today (which are better than in the past) still don't provide enough information to be truly relevant. Subtle diferences in cables aside (and they are subtle), even significant audible differences found in amplifiers for example don't easily correlate to published specifications.

3. Well because most of us are lunatics! There are so many levels of performance attainment that it is difficult to draw lines between them. Another factor has to do with personal preferences. There are some who are bass freaks. Others like shimmering highs. My preferences have evolved over the years. I will happily give up the Nth degree of performance at the frequency extremes to get the midrange right.

4. I'm not sure how I gave that impression, but it was unintended. I assert that any very good system with "regular" music listeners on familiar and challenging material will work. By challenging, I mean some aspect that contains some subtle or difficult passages that render hearing component differences easier.

5. It is not my contention that there are folks who have inherently superior hearing abilities. I assert that anyone who has an interest in comparative listening with extensive listening experience on a high resolution system is able to resolve differences. The keys are:

1. Interest
2. Access
3. Repetition

Give Joe Sixpack HP's spectacular system for a month and he should be able to hear very fine nuances indeed !

rw