Klarinet Archive - Posting 000411.txt from 1999/04

From: "Dr. David McClune" <dmcclune@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] science & materials when decoupled
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1999 21:01:36 -0400

At 07:01 PM 4/6/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Stereo Review magazine has done repeated studies testing the relative
>merits of $150 CD players vs. $1000 and up players, zip cord vs. Monster
>Cables, etc. Time and time again, they have failed to find statistically
>significant proof that people can actually tell the difference in
>well-designed double-blind studies. Of course, the people who just shelled
>out the big bucks are still convinced they can hear a difference, and if
>that makes them happy, fine. But as you say, the human psyche is much more
>powerful than the ear is sensitive.
>
>Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
>451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
>Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html

I am an umabashed audiophile and would like to counter the audio comments
of Bill's. Would a beginner 6th grade clarinet player sound much different
on an OPUS or R-13 than a plastic horn, all things being equal? Probably
not. However a professional could tell a performing difference as would
the audience.

The Stereo Review tests use untrained listeners who do not seem to know
what they are listening for. The differences in audio equipment are
audible, sometimes to a large degree. My system in the office let alone at
home is,,, well,,, worth abit more than all my clarinets combined. Is it
worth it (actually I bought it all used and saved a bundle)? Faculty and
students who have heard the two set ups are stunned. After some time
sharing with them what to listen for, they are amazed that they begin
hearing little improvements as I change aspects of the system.

The collective you, need to hear a properly set up (absolutely critical)
pair of Quad ESL-63's with good electronics powering them. Just as it
takes great equipment to allow a great musician to maximize their
expressive potential, so it is in audio. A weak link is a weak link.

Sincerely,

David

Dr. David McClune
Professor of Woodwinds/Director of Bands
Union University, Jackson, TN 38305

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