In article , Andy Evans
wrote:
There is a state in the process of devolpment and design which I tend to
call 'lost in space'. :-) This is where you have a number of variables
and want to 'optimise' a design. Since they all tend to interact, you
may then have no real idea *why*. Nor know that a better result might be
nearby, but you never wandered past it...

I think that's a very succinct way of putting it, and I'd be surprised
if most amp developers haven't gone through this stage. Mind, some of us
enjoy being lost in space.....

Yes, it is probably a universal experience for all scientists, engineers,
and those with an 'experimental' tendency. :-) It can be fun at
times, and lead to unexpected discoveries. However I feel that after a
while we have to use the experience as a basis for trying to be more
systematic and try to 'map' the space and determine our location w.r.t. any
places which are accessible and we wish to reach. This is where
experimentation gives a basis for a scientific approach.

FWIW I have learned a great deal over the years by having people tell me
'absurd' claims about things like cables, amps, etc. By actually spending
time considering and investigating we can find out all kinds of surprising
aspects of physics and engineering that are often unmentioned in basic
texts.

Slainte,

Jim

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