The review of the new Lector Strumenti Audio Digitube S-192 in the current S'phile is a great example of measurements coming to the rescue, IMO. In the main review, done by Art Dudley, I read a "typical" rave review of this player. Art likens it to the Ayre QB-9, the Halide DAC HD and the Wavelength Proton---AND LIKES THE LECTOR BETTER. He states..."The Lector did a superior job of separating the sounds of various instruments during the louder, more cluttered passages". Then he goes on to say: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Lector Digitube S-192......and the manner in which it played music". Finally, he ends with: " I can heartily recommend Lector Strumenti Audio's Digitube S-192 for the musicality it deployed in my system, as well as for its attractive casework and its good value for money".
Now IF we end there, which I was tempted to do...and go out for a listen with HIGH EXPECTATIONS, we may be in for a shock!!
Reading JA's measurements and looking at the graphs...WOW!! we have a VERY different story!!! This unit has to be one of the worst measuring pieces of kit I have seen! JA ends with this: " However, the Digitube's truly dreadful measured performance in the digital domain, rule it out of contention, in my opinion". That is IMO an understatement.
I think this review may be a first, OTOH...we have AD beaming in with the typical rave and OTOH..we have JA coming to the rescue with "possibly" the true picture. Wonder what happened on this one??
BTW, I have a good a'phile friend who owns a Lector ( different model) and he thinks very highly of it. Is it time for an ear bleeding test? LOL.
Now IF we end there, which I was tempted to do...and go out for a listen with HIGH EXPECTATIONS, we may be in for a shock!!
Reading JA's measurements and looking at the graphs...WOW!! we have a VERY different story!!! This unit has to be one of the worst measuring pieces of kit I have seen! JA ends with this: " However, the Digitube's truly dreadful measured performance in the digital domain, rule it out of contention, in my opinion". That is IMO an understatement.
I think this review may be a first, OTOH...we have AD beaming in with the typical rave and OTOH..we have JA coming to the rescue with "possibly" the true picture. Wonder what happened on this one??
BTW, I have a good a'phile friend who owns a Lector ( different model) and he thinks very highly of it. Is it time for an ear bleeding test? LOL.