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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!masscomp!trb
From: trb@masscomp.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: extra speakers: test methodology
Message-ID: <241@masscomp.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 7-Apr-84 13:17:12 EST
Article-I.D.: masscomp.241
Posted: Sat Apr  7 13:17:12 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 8-Apr-84 01:33:25 EST
References: <304@nbires.UUCP>
Organization: MASSCOMP, Littleton, MA
Lines: 74

I did a double-dumb test on my stereo to determine the effect of my
GTI's passive radiator (well, it just sat there) on my stereo.  I
drove my GTI into my bedroom and just parked it between the speakers
(Symdex Sigmas, no subwoofers).  The transcription device was a ratty
old Connoisseur BD2A with a worn out belt and stylus.  I closed the
windows in my bedroom, and made my bed, to ensure minimal experimental
aberration.

My test selections:

The Royal Symphony Orchestra: "Hooked on Audiophile Drivel."
The Doors: "L.A. Woman"

My findings:

1. Are the instruments/voices in tune?  Is the pitch steady or does it
waver?

   The passive radiator had a definite effect here, Jim Morrison always
   sounded a bit flat.  His pitch was pretty steady, but my mood sort
   of trailed off the more I listened.

2. How tight is the ensemble?  Are the musicians together?  Does it
   sound like they are listening to each other?  Are they are enjoying
   themselves or just trying to finish the performance so they can go
   get a beer?

   Hey, man, the Doors sounded tight to me, no lie.  Up tight, all
   right, outasite.  Morrison sounded kinda loosely wrapped, I guess.
   Are they together?  Well, they were then, but they aren't now.
   Morrison is dead, he choked on his own puke, you know.

   Does it sound like they are listening to each other?  Gee, I don't
   know what the sound of musicians listening to each other is.  When I
   listen to one, I sound very quiet.  If they were listening to each
   other, then the sound of them listening to each other was drowned
   out by their music.  I think I'd have to buy a real good expensive
   stereo to be able to actually hear them listening to each other.

   They didn't sound like they were exactly enjoying themselves.  I
   think they wanted to finish the performance, I suspect that they
   were looking forward to a beer to complement the barbiturates that
   they were all using.  Ya know, I have a such a good ear I can
   actually tell you what kind of beer they were going to get after
   they finished the performance.

3. Is the tempo steady or does it vary?

   Oh, the tempo varied, there were some songs with a fast tempo, and
   some had a kinda, ya know, slow tempo.  But I liked it.  You could
   dance to it, it had a good beat.  I'd give it a 78.  What do I win?

4. Can you hear the beginning and end of each note?

   Of course, you just listen to the note, and the very very first part
   you hear is the beginning, the last part is the end.  Got it?  I
   know you would.

5. Do the instruments sound like real instruments?  Can you hear the
   sharp, percussive attack of a stick on a drum?  The guitarist's
   fingers running along the strings?  The bass player's fingernails
   plucking the string?  The sax player's breathing?  The individual
   voices in a choir?

   Well, it sounded like a real stereo.  I think that's pretty
   important, since that's what I payed for.

6. How do you feel about the music?  What emotions does it stir in
   you?  Are you moved, bored, angered, pleased?

   Yes, that's it!  I was moved, bored, angered and pleased.


	Andy Tannenbaum   Masscomp Inc  Westford MA   (617) 692-6200 x274