@ghdprentice wrote:
On the other hand there are audiophile components. These are built to exacting requirements where component costs are unimportant… sound quality is the only objective.
So, if one is really to adhere by the boldfaced part, the components involved could, strictly speaking, be either cheaper or more expensive, right? And yet you continue with..
These tend to start around $10K to $20K. So every aspect is optimized… the best… not cheapest subcomponents are used.
If sound quality truly is the only objective, then why is it automatically assumed price always has a strict bearing? To your logic then price is the only objective, to which sound quality must follow by necessity. I mean, which is it?
If sound quality really is where you're coming from (and your specific position on what constitutes good sound quality likely isn't shared by everyone) I would imagine the outcome is somewhat more varied in price range, segment, brand, principle, design and what not than what you would propose or imply.
So, budding audiophiles seek out off brands, used audiophile equipment and off beat techniques to get the best sound they can.
So, the man of freshly produced audiophile gear, widely known brands and "on beat" techniques is at odds with, or really throws a slightly condescending glance at the individuals who'd choose used (and in effect cheaper) "off brand" gear and "off techniques" (compared to what, one might add), as someone aspiring to be a true, seasoned audiophile. I fail to see the relevance of what you write with anything that's a true bearing on an individual's pursuit, goals and actual achievements in regards to audio reproduction - regardless of price and approach - other than telling me more about you.