I’ve discussed system set-up, review methodology and the intimate relationship between them before, but both set-up and reviewing are an interrelated and evolving process, one that is worth re-visiting on a regular basis. The value of any scientific or observational activity (audio reviewing existing firmly in the latter category) is dependent for the value, consistency and accuracy/repeatability of its results on the way those results are achieved. First and foremost, it’s about realizing a product’s full potential before rushing to judgement: using it as intended, in an appropriate system, with appropriate partnering equipment. Hobble a review unit’s performance and you not only underrate its value, you destroy any value in your review. Unfortunately, the thinking and approach applied to most reviews does just that. In fact, it actively encourages it…
Methodology isn’t just part of the story – it’s the whole story and, in many cases, it’s woefully inadequate, failing to understand the task, the goal or how to achieve it. Given even a basic understanding of system infrastructure and systematic thinking, it quickly becomes apparent that simplistic notions of ‘reference’ systems and single product substitutions are so hopelessly flawed or narrow in their conclusions as to be meaningless. The very fact that the process behind most reviews remains a mystery all too often tells you all you need to know. So, looking at the background behind reviews like these is doubly useful, both in providing understanding of and a benchmark against which the value of any review might be assessed (in the light of what is – or isn’t – discussed regarding its methodology) but also in applying the approach and underlying thinking to maximizing the performance of your own system.
Moving mountains…
It’s no secret that high-end audio products are getting progressively more expensive. What’s not so apparent is that their weight is keeping pace with their price – and that brings a whole different set of challenges and problems. Why is CH’s M10 power amplifier built into two separate chassis? Because if they put it all into one, just lifting it would be a major problem. As it is, the power supply weighs in at around 80kg – 175lbs – making it a more than uncomfortable one-man lift. But even that pales into insignificance when compared to a speaker like Göbel’s Divin Monarque. Packed in its flight case, the 380kg/840lb loudspeaker tips the scales at 480kg! That’s whole different magnitude of problem – whether you are talking about handling the product during manufacturing, or even more so, installing it in a system.
Most factories are equipped with hoists, lifts and handling aids to make assembling and transporting their products practical (or just plain possible). Floors are generally flat, with easy progress from one area to another – at least if the manufacturer has any sense. Occasionally, historical necessity or the unplanned exigences of growth intervene and cause discontinuities in this smoothly planned progress – but at least time and effort can overcome most issues. That’s not the case with domestic installation, where every situation, access route and challenge is different: where even a door threshold (let along a step) can become a major obstacle, where doorways themselves might be too tight or too narrow to negotiate. These are questions that all too often escape the attention of designers focused on the minutiae of their ‘baby’s’ performance.
