I was being somewhat cheeky ...
I should nuance the remark.
It goes without reason that a measurement that shows very high amounts of distortion is audible and correlates in a direct way.
THIS I do not doubt nor is it what I meant.
Sure if there is a clear roll-off in the extremes on FR in the considered audible range or if there is a substantial phase shift, ringing, oscilations or what not that can directly relate to what's perceived.
NOT talking about that either AND I am quite sure you know that pretty well.
Nope... What I am talking about is say comparing O2 with Magni (lets leave the obviously different Vali out of it.
Most like the Magni(2) over the O2.
I too like Jason more than Harold btw.
and tend to agree with Jason more than Harold for that matter.
But that's not to the point.
When you take the current 'usual' meaurement suite.
FR, distortion, under load or not, FFT perhaps squarewave, take clipping properties into account and drive both within their limits the O2 outclasses the Magni in the electrical measurements.
Yet..... when we look at subjective reports most feel the Magni sounds better/is preferred.
Likewise ... take the EC and put the measurements next to the O2 than it is obvious MEASUREMENT the O2 is the better one.
Regardless if the measurements of the EC amp being excellent for this type of topology.
Of course I am NOT saying the O2 is the better amp, just that it MEASURES better.
Obviously the EC amps get's lots of appraisal for its SQ where the O2 gets less (well maybe from fanboys or tube haters).
NOT talking about EC amps being 'worse' than Harolds 'standard application' with a twist at all.
Just saying that with the formentioned measurements you cannot conclude that the EC is the better sounding one.
There is NO correlation between the measurements and the perceived SQ.
Likewise take any 'C'Moy' and the UHA6S..
All here agree the Leck is excellent where most C'Moys are said to sound poor.
It's the exact same circuit ?
When you measure them they will measure the same yet they are not considered to sound the same.... why ?
What differs that does NOT show up in the usual measurements ?
Can other 'test signals' be constructed that are closer to music instead of standard sweeps, test tones, noise or whatever.
Signals that can give better insight in linearity or impulse behaviour using sine waves instead of dirac or squarewaves ?
With small different frequencies riding on bigger ones ?
Monotonicity tests but with larger scales ?
A more realsitic dummy load that challenges amps ?
That's what I meant.