In this week’s first segment (03:48 to 17:46), hosts Brent Butterworth and Dennis Burger discuss a new $29,150 headphone listening stack from dCS, and contrast that audio extravagance with a recent video from headphone tester/tuner Crinacle, in which he busts some myths about standalone headphone amps. 

Next up (17:46 to 44:32), SoundStage! Founder Doug Schneider calls in to discuss gear measurements from a publisher’s perspective. Are they bad for business? Do they alienate manufacturers? Are they useful to readers? And how do they help subjective reviewers support or defend their observations?

Wrapping things up (44:32 to end), Brent and Dennis give their thoughts on one of the most overused but poorly defined terms in audio: “resolving.” What does it mean in terms of speakers? Is “highly resolving” a good thing or a bad thing? A few videos from PS Audio’s Paul McGowan might give us some insight.  

Sources:

”Introducing dCS Lina” by TAS Staff: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/introducing-dcs-lina

“You Don't NEED an Amplifier” by Crinacle+ https://youtu.be/a3moaaOpYZM

PSB Speakers - 50 Years | Full Documentary: https://youtu.be/i_qy0dZDX8Q

“Can Speakers Be Too Resolving?” by PS Audio: https://youtu.be/6XFn8JPIr40

“Resolving Loudspeakers” by PS Audio: https://youtu.be/qPpr9g_i7xw

“What Speakers Have Resolving Power?” by PS Audio: https://youtu.be/PkErAEp7y0o

“What Measurements Can We Hhear?” by PS Audio: https://youtu.be/KHTYqOm3Y8c