Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

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Claus
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Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by Claus »

As Win Server Core 2012 and Audiophile Optimiser hit the Danish forum we got the "can open worms everywhere" debate. I am looking for some possible explanations (if they are out there) as to why we hear the changes and improvements with cleaner power, different storage and hard drives and better cables etc. all working in the digital domain (i.e. bits) that according to these people can only be there or not there.

Links and cut n' paste will do just fine. So will the "I hear a difference, therefore there is a difference" argument of course. ;)
Thanks guys!
tony
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by tony »

Been there done that Claus. It is just a head wrecker. The people who demand the most proof normally operate with a system that comprises €50 dac,tin can speakers and no real interest in hifi. If you produced 100% verifiable proof from all the Gods that exist they would then either say it is not enough or else Ok but I wouldn't be bothered trying it anyway. If you feel the need like I did to spread the gospel just don't answer their questions or advise them that your electricity bill dropped when you used core or you mysteriously got money in your bank account. On no account suggest that it did anything to improve your stereo. It is like flies around a smelly substance if you dare think or vaguely utter that.
Last edited by tony on Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
GroupBuySD DAC/First Watt AlephJ/NigeAmp/Audio PC's/Lampi L4.5 Dac/ Groupbuy AD1862 DHT Dac /Quad ESL63's.Tannoy Legacy Cheviots.
maxflinn
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by maxflinn »

Bits are bits and the method of transport used to move data has no affect on end sound quality. This is something that's proven science and so the bits are bits brigade are in fact quite correct.
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Ivor
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by Ivor »

maxflinn wrote:Bits are bits and the method of transport used to move data has no affect on end sound quality. This is something that's proven science and so the bits are bits brigade are in fact quite correct.
Seriously, if you've just come here to act the troll you might as well pack your bags now. Mind you don't fall off the edge of the world on your way home...
Vinyl -anything else is data storage.

Thorens TD124 Mk1 + Kuzma Stogi 12"arm, HANA Red, Gold Note PH 10 + PSU. ADI-2 Dac, Lector CDP7, Wyred4Sound pre, Airtight ATM1s, Klipsch Heresy IV, Misc Mains, RCA + XLR ICs, Tellurium Q spkr cable
maxflinn
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by maxflinn »

If disagreeing with somebody by stating a scientifically backed position is trolling then don't worry, I'm off.
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Ivor
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by Ivor »

maxflinn wrote:If disagreeing with somebody by stating a scientifically backed position is trolling then don't worry, I'm off.
This forum (in another form) had this "debate" about ten years ago. If you can't measure the difference then you're not measuring correctly. To be honest all you need are working ears connected to a functioning brain and you'll hear the difference. It might make you feel superior to use words like "scientific" but it doesn't prove anything.
If you just want to bring that tired old line to the forum don't bother... we've moved on considerably around here.
Vinyl -anything else is data storage.

Thorens TD124 Mk1 + Kuzma Stogi 12"arm, HANA Red, Gold Note PH 10 + PSU. ADI-2 Dac, Lector CDP7, Wyred4Sound pre, Airtight ATM1s, Klipsch Heresy IV, Misc Mains, RCA + XLR ICs, Tellurium Q spkr cable
Claus
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by Claus »

Jaysus they are.... EVERYWHERE...!
Sorry to bring it up, I of course never intended this to be a thread for the actual debate. I was merely wondering about the theory behind it. I also heard John talk about developing a way to measure some of these things, but I don't know how far he has come with that project?
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Ivor
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by Ivor »

Claus wrote:Jaysus they are.... EVERYWHERE...!
Sorry to bring it up, I of course never intended this to be a thread for the actual debate. I was merely wondering about the theory behind it. I also heard John talk about developing a way to measure some of these things, but I don't know how far he has come with that project?

Fundamentalists.
Vinyl -anything else is data storage.

Thorens TD124 Mk1 + Kuzma Stogi 12"arm, HANA Red, Gold Note PH 10 + PSU. ADI-2 Dac, Lector CDP7, Wyred4Sound pre, Airtight ATM1s, Klipsch Heresy IV, Misc Mains, RCA + XLR ICs, Tellurium Q spkr cable
tony
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by tony »

Claus you can get a bit of practice. Maxyflinn is a specialist on PFM on me bits are bits. He can drag a thread through quicksand till it sinks all the way to hell. He is the best so if you want some practice he is very much up to the task.

Welcome aboard Mr Flynn. On this site if you really feel that strongly about your view you will have to come and meet the lads to explain your scientific evidence. You will also be asked to have a listen to various sources to allow you see what reality is. If you come and don't hear anything and are still married to your point of view I would applaud you because at least it shows that you are not just punching away on the keys in Waterford glass land. You would at least be seen to have a genuine interest and passion for music hifi and talking blarney in the flesh. Pm me if you would like to arrange a meet. Really some great guys. Some are very scientific educated lads working in electronics so would be well able to discuss your concerns/views on digital audio. Some have really great TT systems and there are some magic CDP's floating around also.

Look forward to hearing from you. TBH it would be interesting to have a person who doesn't believe that any changes in the digital area affect sound listening to CA systems. It strikes a balance and it is always nice to have somebody who feels that it can have no effect listening. I realise that if you have an open group of people disposed to CA there can be a perception or risk of herd mentality regardless of how objective we believe we are applying ourselves. The caveat though a lot of the CA people here are TT heads also so they see things from both sides of the fence and they can identify when a CA system is improved.
GroupBuySD DAC/First Watt AlephJ/NigeAmp/Audio PC's/Lampi L4.5 Dac/ Groupbuy AD1862 DHT Dac /Quad ESL63's.Tannoy Legacy Cheviots.
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Fran
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Re: Bits-are-bits-brigade and why they are wrong

Post by Fran »

Despite the initial antagonistic post maxflinn - you are indeed welcome here.

Let me state though right now for the record that revolving arguments and any kind of descent will incur fairly savage moderation. That applies to whoever starts it - and whoever carries it on either.

Just sayin' right?


********************************

On a further note, the approach here has always been more open minded than elsewhere. The thought process has always been "I think I hear a difference, I wonder what could be causing that. Could I do something to further it, replicate it elsewhere and perhsps one day prove it conclusively. Until then, I am willing to trust what I personally experience, I will keep an open mind, but no so open that everything falls out of it".

Last bit quoting Carl Sagan.

So, do we have all the answers? NO.
Are we willing to ask the questions? YES
Are we willing to experiment and try stuff? YES.

This in my view is a positive, constructive approach, even if it means the occasional blind alley. It is exactly the opposite of what I have seen many, many many times on fora elsewhere.


Fran
Do or do not, there is no try
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