And again, the eternal question of lenses versus sensors

In article , Bill W
wrote:

even the exif data can be faked.

Is there a simple explanation/method for how to do this? DXO can't
find the right lens info sometimes, I think mostly after I process
something in other software.

exif data are just tags in the file, which can be edited to whatever
you want them to be or removed entirely.

the best tool for the job is exiftool:
http://www.sno.phy.queensu.ca/~phil/exiftool/

Right - I downloaded that months ago, but the instructions are longer
than 10 words, so I never did get time for it. I was hoping for a much
dumber version. I'll try again at some point.

there are gui exif editors, most of which just wrap exiftool.

On Tue, 26 May 2015 10:09:59 +1200, Me wrote:

On 26/05/2015 9:31 a.m., Bill W wrote:
On Mon, 25 May 2015 16:45:54 -0400, nospam
wrote:

even the exif data can be faked.

Is there a simple explanation/method for how to do this? DXO can't
find the right lens info sometimes, I think mostly after I process
something in other software.

Even the "properties" dialog ("details" tab) in Windows Explorer will
allow you to edit many exif fields, including adding lens model/maker etc.

I didn't realize you could change anything in there, but now I see you
can. Plus you can do it in groups. That might be the easiest thing to
try first.

There are plenty of other options, image editors which allow exif
modification, and programs designed specifically to do this.

On 26/05/2015 12:53 p.m., RichA wrote:
On Monday, 25 May 2015 10:37:47 UTC-4, Whiskers wrote:
On 2015-05-24, RichA wrote:
So, IF any good lens today (stopped down) can exceed the resolution of
any current 35mm or smaller sensor (which seems to be the consensus
amongst people), then why do we see sharpness and resolution
differences between these lenses? For example, if a sensor provides a
resolution of 8 (arbitrary number since various sites use different
measures anyway) and lens 1 goes to 9 and lens 2 goes to 11, we
shouldn't see a difference in resolution between the two lenses
because both exceed the sensor, hitting a "sensor-ceiling" of
resolution of 8, as it were. But that isn't how the measurements come
out, as some lenses do resolve better on the same sensor.

There is a lot more to lens (and sensor or film) performance than mere
'resolution'.

Try telling a Leica fan that his favourite lens isn't as good as the
Zeiss equivalent (or vice versa). Then mention Swarovski Optik and ask
why they don't make camera lenses ...

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~

but resolution is the main test of a lens.
Are you sure about that - or is it perhaps just you skipping over the
rest of the details in extensive reviews to look first at the single
aspect of lens performance that you obsess over?

On Mon, 25 May 2015 18:37:46 -0400, nospam
wrote:

In article , Bill W
wrote:

The sort with arrows on the insulators to tell the electrons (or is it
the data bits?) which way to go?

the denon $500 ethernet cable had arrows:
http://www.wired.com/2008/06/snake-oil-alert/all/1

We really, really, need this sort of thing, if only because it can
make me *literally* lol.

I wonder if anyone sells audiophile air for wifi connections.

wonder no more.

although not specifically for wifi connections, they affect the ambient
air and reflections, so therefore it will likely improve wifi:
http://www.lessloss.com/blackbody-p-200.html
http://www.stereotimes.com/comm040510.shtml
http://meniscusaudio.com/acoustosphere-p-972.html

don't forget to get an audiophile power cable for your computer:
http://www.piaudiogroup.com/MPC_Power_Cable.html
http://www.nordost.com/leif/purple-flare/purple-flare-power-cord.php

which would be wasted without an audiophile grade wall outlet:
http://www.parts-express.com/wattgat...ex-receptacle-
outlet--110-439
and cover it with an audiophile grade wall outlet cover (which can even
be used for non-audio wall outlets). don't overtighten the screw
though.
http://machinadynamica.com/machina44.htm

what they neglect to mention is that the cabling in the walls, out to
the street and back to the power grid are nowhere near as good, so why
would the 6 feet from the wall to the computer make any difference?

also, be sure to demagnetize your vinyl records and audio cds.
fortunately, someone makes a device that does both:
http://www.soundstage.com/vinyl/vinyl200702.htm

you know it's legitimate because it's been patented:
http://www.google.com/patents/US6058078

lastly, be sure get a shatki stone, as it helps not just audio and
video, but also cars:
http://www.shakti-innovations.com/

Oh my God. I read a few of these, and my head is spinning. The one
place isn't satisfied with selling scam cables, they actually have 3
quality levels, ranging up to $1600. I should post a photo of my music
room - it would cost me 6 figures to wire up with these things.

I had a guy come into the dealership where I worked, and ask for an
emissions test. There are legal issues with this, so I had to ask the
reason, and he told me that he had just installed something to improve
fuel economy. I looked at the thing, and it was a 2" square sticker
with what looked like a printed circuit on it that was stuck to the
bottom of the gas tank. Imagine trying to keep a straight face with
something like this.

I'll give the guy some credit. As soon as I handed him the results,
all he said was that the thing made no difference. But he apparently
expected it to when he bought it.

On 2015-05-25, nospam wrote:
In article , Bill W
wrote:

The sort with arrows on the insulators to tell the electrons (or is it
the data bits?) which way to go?

the denon $500 ethernet cable had arrows:
http://www.wired.com/2008/06/snake-oil-alert/all/1

We really, really, need this sort of thing, if only because it can
make me *literally* lol.

I wonder if anyone sells audiophile air for wifi connections.

wonder no more.

although not specifically for wifi connections, they affect the ambient
air and reflections, so therefore it will likely improve wifi:
http://www.lessloss.com/blackbody-p-200.html
http://www.stereotimes.com/comm040510.shtml
http://meniscusaudio.com/acoustosphere-p-972.html

don't forget to get an audiophile power cable for your computer:
http://www.piaudiogroup.com/MPC_Power_Cable.html
http://www.nordost.com/leif/purple-flare/purple-flare-power-cord.php

which would be wasted without an audiophile grade wall outlet:
http://www.parts-express.com/wattgat...ex-receptacle-
outlet--110-439
and cover it with an audiophile grade wall outlet cover (which can even
be used for non-audio wall outlets). don't overtighten the screw
though.
http://machinadynamica.com/machina44.htm

what they neglect to mention is that the cabling in the walls, out to
the street and back to the power grid are nowhere near as good, so why
would the 6 feet from the wall to the computer make any difference?

also, be sure to demagnetize your vinyl records and audio cds.
fortunately, someone makes a device that does both:
http://www.soundstage.com/vinyl/vinyl200702.htm

you know it's legitimate because it's been patented:
http://www.google.com/patents/US6058078

lastly, be sure get a shatki stone, as it helps not just audio and
video, but also cars:
http://www.shakti-innovations.com/

I've read that vinyl records are played at their best if the record deck
is stood on a heavy glass table-top insulated from both the floor and
the record deck by specially shaped rubber blocks. Would my MP3 player
benefit from an installation like that?

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~

On 26 May 2015 12:55:31 GMT, Whiskers
wrote:

On 2015-05-25, nospam wrote:
In article , Bill W
wrote:

The sort with arrows on the insulators to tell the electrons (or is it
the data bits?) which way to go?

the denon $500 ethernet cable had arrows:
http://www.wired.com/2008/06/snake-oil-alert/all/1

We really, really, need this sort of thing, if only because it can
make me *literally* lol.

I wonder if anyone sells audiophile air for wifi connections.

wonder no more.

although not specifically for wifi connections, they affect the ambient
air and reflections, so therefore it will likely improve wifi:
http://www.lessloss.com/blackbody-p-200.html
http://www.stereotimes.com/comm040510.shtml
http://meniscusaudio.com/acoustosphere-p-972.html

don't forget to get an audiophile power cable for your computer:
http://www.piaudiogroup.com/MPC_Power_Cable.html
http://www.nordost.com/leif/purple-flare/purple-flare-power-cord.php

which would be wasted without an audiophile grade wall outlet:
http://www.parts-express.com/wattgat...ex-receptacle-
outlet--110-439
and cover it with an audiophile grade wall outlet cover (which can even
be used for non-audio wall outlets). don't overtighten the screw
though.
http://machinadynamica.com/machina44.htm

what they neglect to mention is that the cabling in the walls, out to
the street and back to the power grid are nowhere near as good, so why
would the 6 feet from the wall to the computer make any difference?

also, be sure to demagnetize your vinyl records and audio cds.
fortunately, someone makes a device that does both:
http://www.soundstage.com/vinyl/vinyl200702.htm

you know it's legitimate because it's been patented:
http://www.google.com/patents/US6058078

lastly, be sure get a shatki stone, as it helps not just audio and
video, but also cars:
http://www.shakti-innovations.com/

I've read that vinyl records are played at their best if the record deck
is stood on a heavy glass table-top insulated from both the floor and
the record deck by specially shaped rubber blocks. Would my MP3 player
benefit from an installation like that?

Actually, the turntable isolation is valid. It's analog, and very
sensitive. Of course, even that has limits. Putting the turntable
directly on top of the subwoofer is bad. Most other locations are not.

In article ,
Whisky-dave wrote:

don't forget to get an audiophile power cable for your computer:

Just flicked through the above and I'm now convinced I need "highly polished
mating surfaces" ;-)

How about this audio USB cable

http://www.russandrews.com/product.a...=GBP&pf_id= 2
436

it's not made in the USA but "Handcrafted in the USA" that's gotta make a difference init

the sad thing is that there are morons who believe that there's a
difference.

In article ,
Whiskers wrote:

I've read that vinyl records are played at their best if the record deck
is stood on a heavy glass table-top insulated from both the floor and
the record deck by specially shaped rubber blocks.

there's some truth to that, as vibrations from the music can affect the
sound. the obvious case is at a party where dancing causes the record
to actually skip, but even just heavy bass at sufficient volume could
have an effect (although very minor).

it's also not that hard to avoid. put the turntable on cinderblocks
and/or put it in a different room than where the loud music will be
played. don't put it near the speakers.

nevertheless, there are insanely priced and very heavy turntables for
those with a lot more money than brains. one is $300k but several are
$150k.
http://www.bornrich.com/top-10-most-expensive-turntables.html

Would my MP3 player
benefit from an installation like that?

no.

there are also high def audio players (e.g., pono) but it's not
possible for humans to hear a difference.

On 2015-05-26, nospam wrote:
In article ,
Whiskers wrote:

I've read that vinyl records are played at their best if the record deck
is stood on a heavy glass table-top insulated from both the floor and
the record deck by specially shaped rubber blocks.

there's some truth to that, as vibrations from the music can affect the
sound. the obvious case is at a party where dancing causes the record
to actually skip, but even just heavy bass at sufficient volume could
have an effect (although very minor).

Perhaps I'm just an eccentric recluse, but I don't associate words such
as 'party' 'dancing' or 'heavy base', with either 'listening' or 'hifi'.

it's also not that hard to avoid. put the turntable on cinderblocks
and/or put it in a different room than where the loud music will be
played. don't put it near the speakers.

I'd probably be more comfortable in that different room too - if not a
different building.

nevertheless, there are insanely priced and very heavy turntables for
those with a lot more money than brains. one is $300k but several are
$150k.
http://www.bornrich.com/top-10-most-expensive-turntables.html

Would my MP3 player
benefit from an installation like that?

no.

there are also high def audio players (e.g., pono) but it's not
possible for humans to hear a difference.

I have a strange liking for live music; no recording can ever replicate
that. However, there is always room for improvement in the recording
techniques, mixing, filtering, digitising, compressing, decompressing,
and converting back to analogue. Pono may not be "it" but if no-one
tries we'll never know just how much better than "CD quality" it's
possible to get or worth trying.

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~

On 27/05/2015 6:29 a.m., Whiskers wrote:
On 2015-05-26, nospam wrote:
In article ,
Whiskers wrote:

I've read that vinyl records are played at their best if the record deck
is stood on a heavy glass table-top insulated from both the floor and
the record deck by specially shaped rubber blocks.

there's some truth to that, as vibrations from the music can affect the
sound. the obvious case is at a party where dancing causes the record
to actually skip, but even just heavy bass at sufficient volume could
have an effect (although very minor).

Perhaps I'm just an eccentric recluse, but I don't associate words such
as 'party' 'dancing' or 'heavy base', with either 'listening' or 'hifi'.

You sound a bit like an eccentric recluse - but more likely just old and
conservative.
Music and dance are inextricably linked in the roots of human cultural
development - in basically every culture. Heavy base sic is nearly
ubiquitous - it probably started with rhythmic beating of a hollow tree
trunk etc.
There's nothing "culturally superior" about listening to some particular
genre of music while glued to your lounge furniture, and there's
certainly nothing wrong with turning the music up and dancing. Ask a
young person. Just because you might have become old of body, doesn't
mean you have to become old of heart.



it's also not that hard to avoid. put the turntable on cinderblocks
and/or put it in a different room than where the loud music will be
played. don't put it near the speakers.

I'd probably be more comfortable in that different room too - if not a
different building.

nevertheless, there are insanely priced and very heavy turntables for
those with a lot more money than brains. one is $300k but several are
$150k.
http://www.bornrich.com/top-10-most-expensive-turntables.html

Would my MP3 player
benefit from an installation like that?

no.

there are also high def audio players (e.g., pono) but it's not
possible for humans to hear a difference.

I have a strange liking for live music; no recording can ever replicate
that. However, there is always room for improvement in the recording
techniques, mixing, filtering, digitising, compressing, decompressing,
and converting back to analogue. Pono may not be "it" but if no-one
tries we'll never know just how much better than "CD quality" it's
possible to get or worth trying.

Most people don't even know how good CD can sound.