Audiophile Priorities and Recent Topics


I'm increasingly fascinated by the number of threads that have been created lately by OP's who have joined over only the last 2 months with less than 30 posts that all seem related to the importance of wires and tweaks. While I'm not dismissing the notion that everything matters in hifi (including digital cable), it seems that these topics vastly overwhelm thread topics that clearly would have more influence to hifi audio sound such as discussions of the sonic characteristics of various amplifier topologies, the importance of simplifying the signal path, and identifying fantastic speaker/amplifier synergies, etc...

If some unsuspecting newbie were to stumble onto this forum they would likely come away thinking that a fuse or a piece of wire are the most important elements towards obtaining wonderful hifi sound. This is unfortunate. For example, my discovery of listening to a SET circuit years ago paired with speakers possessing a high and flat impedance greatly outshines any joy derived from identifying the finest digital cable produced by man. I'm simply questioning the hifi priorities that this forum seems to be obsessed with lately.

Is it just me?
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Showing 2 responses by frogman

The only issues that I feel need any kind of micro-management on this site are those of decorum and respect; something sorely lacking all too often as we all know. I’m sure that the OP’s premise is well intended, but I wouldn’t worry too much about “unsuspecting newbies”. I don’t think that there has been a thread advocating questionable “tweaks” that has not also had plenty of detractors; and very adamant ones at that. There usually are plenty of posts that present both sides of the coin on most topics. Seems to me that this, unto itself, is a great opportunity for a newbie to learn.

As far as the supposed “overwhelming” preponderance of discussions about “wire and tweaks” goes, I frankly don’t see it that way. A quick look just now at the first 20 “Topics” of discussion in the categories “Amps Preamps” shows 4 titles out of 20 that have anything remotely to do with wire or tweaks. In the topic “Speakers” only 1 title out of the first 20 has anything to do with wire or tweaks. Hardly a comprehensive analysis of the matter, but I suspect that this is indicative of the overall picture. Now, as far as posts in “Cables”, and perhaps “Misc Audio” as well goes, we would expect there to be a preponderance of discussions about cables and tweaks. No? There is plenty of solid and helpful information available here; it’s the interpersonal bs that gets in the way.

As I pointed out, I feel that the OP’s premise is well intended and I agree that there is always room for improvement in how information is shared. However, the OP admits, and please, this is not a criticism, but simply an attempt to bring a certain perspective to this issue:

**** interconnects (I can hear a difference but it’s subtle), and speaker cables (I’m very hard pressed to hear a difference in any ****

Personally, not only do I strongly disagree with that comment, but I feel that a newbie reading that could very well be swayed to not consider the very real benefits of quality cabling. However, probably the best thing of all is to have that opinion be part of the mix of opinions which will hopefully inspire the newbie to experiment and arrive at his own conclusions. All in my opinion, of course.

Btw, decorum and respect…..and thicker skin 😊






It would certainly be wonderful and I would make one additional suggestion:

As tempting as it may be and as justified as one may feel, DONT PLAY! (thicker skin). Ignore the jerks and provocateurs. What ends up happening often times is that those reacting to the bs end up behaving pretty much the same way as the jerk. Importantly, keep in mind that it is tricky judging the “tenor” of someone else’s written word; especially on an audio forum where, let’s be honest, not all have exceptional writing skill, hence ability to convey their complete and true intent.