White Paper Audio Studies

[dodger]

There are a number of white paper studies in the Audio world.

Some discuss the type of Interconnect and why it is superior. Others discuss Speaker cable lenths, how it is made - hyperlitz, shielding.

Then we have others that promote 99.9 % oxygen free copper, Gold, Gold plated, Silver, Platinum as the type or coating for Interconnects, Speaker Cable.

Others promote freezing, soaking in salt water and on and on.

In some ways they are useful. But as we Consumers read them and decide how much weight to give, it is importatnt to note who funded, or who the writers and "researchers" are employed by.

If the facts don't fit, change the facts is a sig that one astute Member has.

I don't believe that any of us are millionaires. I don't believe that we are all destitute. We have x number of dollars that we can spend on our Audio hobby.

Let's not waste some of them because of a Manufacturer funded study that conveniently "proves" and promotes a theory that just happens to note that one manufacturer's claim of superiority.

dodger

[sunnysal]

not all white papers are markeitng literature in disguise. there many audio engineers out there genuinely trying to expand on current audio knowledge. reader beware, as always, remains an importnt mantra BUT do not lump all research inot the same pile. tony

[boom3]

If you want to read some remarkably honest articles about audio, you need to read Voice Coil and Multi-Media Manufacturer, both by Audio Amatuer (the Audio Express folks, formerly publishers of the late lamented Speaker Builder).

These are as close to 'peer-reviewed' articles as you will find, even better, in some ways, than those in JAES, where some well-documented and interesting nonsense has been published over the years.

The articles covering manufacturing will open the eyes of audiophiles to the realities of the business. Which is more sickening-Mr. Joe Sixpack "getting" Home Theater In a Box for $100 or 'audiophiles' paying $10,000 for $1,000 of Chinese labor and materials?

The patent watch sections are the best parts, as audio and speaker patents are analyzed and critiqued. Many of those presented should never have been granted patents at all.

[dodger]

Tony is correct. The actual point of my posting is to note WHO paid for the study.

We cannot dismiss all White Paper Studies. But if we know that a Company that is making the product that is raved about paid for the study, we can take it with a grain of salt.

Kind of like some drug inspections. In the 70s there was a Generic version of Dilantin - a medication to control seizures. There were a number of cases of people that had been seizure free, that had grand mal seizures. The company making the Generic, had someho bought the Brand name and put that into the capsules submitted for testing by the FDA. Cleared to sell.

When people started with seizures, a recall and check of strength was checked. There was a variation in strength of 10 - 44 % The researchers at the company were embarassed as they had nothing to do with it.

So my point was if claims are made that make no sense, be skeptical.

dodger

[sunnysal]

agreed! tony