John
Jonathan Novick writes…
Dear John
John Atkinson pointed me at your recent article about the subjectivist vs activists [sic] and I found it interesting. I am an electrical engineer with 30 years of experience working for test & measurement companies. I also used to follow the hi-fi market (but stayed relatively modest in my purchases). I spent 13 years with Audio Precision selling test gear to all sorts of manufacturers. I was also a VP of the Audio Engineering Society and sat on several standards committees within the Consumer Technology Association (nee CEA). However, I was keenly aware that measurements don’t describe the sounds we hear. Just over 10 years ago, I built a test box to prove this with listening tests side by side with measurements and went on the road with a presentation. Most of my audiences were AES members but I also went to several Hi-Fi shows (RMAF, T.H.E. and others). RMAF recorded it in 2015 and I thought you may find it interesting.
I would be interested in what you think of the video. At one time I had hope for new test standards. Those have been dashed by the realities of the shrinking audio market. Mono smart speakers seem to be what most consumers want these days. At the most recent CES show, there wasn’t even an exhibitor search category for audio. This trend may change someday but I won’t be holding my breath.
Regards,
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan
Thanks for getting in touch. I watched your entire RMAF seminar yesterday. Very interesting. All the more so because you’re an EE and you worked for Audio Precision.
I wonder if you would consider being a guest on my podcast where you/we can discuss these issues. You clearly know far more than I and I think my audience would really like to hear what you have to say.
Best,
John
Listen via SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn or the embedded player below:
Further information:
RMAF ’15: What The Specs Don’t Tell You… And Why
Upcoming Meeting: AES SGS Research Colloquium #5: Listening Tests vs. Measurements
Audio Precision
Audio Engineering Society
Consumer Technology Association
Mother, should I build a wall?
