Audiophiles & music-have you got it wrong?


This thread is partly inspired by comments on "would you refer this to all the interested parties" but also by general comments made on a regular basis.

Of course each person to their own, I do not advocate my views are the definitive ones and I do consider myself a music fan who takes an interest in high end equipment rather than being an out and out audiophile.
However despite some reservations about certain audiophile beliefs I don't come on these forums and say burn in it doesn't exist,interconnects are a rip off and exhibit little more than fine tuning etc.etc.
Why?
Because I don't feel I've explored these issues fully nor do I really wish to therefore my comments would be largely uninformed even if they are accurate from my point of view.
And yet some audiophiles seem to make constant negative remarks about the price and quality of music currently available-are they right?

First up the price of music-this is not to say greed doesn't exist within the record companies but are CD's really that expensive when we compare them to how much we spend on our equipment?
My collection is now worth close to double what my equipment is.
Am I nuts or do I have things in perspective?
I consider I am probably at the extreme end of things with regards buying music but aren't some of you at the other end of the extreme?

Is it the quality of the recordings that's an issue?
Ok-I can't say sometimes that recorings don't disappoint or indeed the fact that older CD's can be badly mastered.
However is it possible that some have attuned their ear to a level of perfection that only exists in a limited number of recordings?
Nothing wrong with that but should our hobby be about matching that ideal or should it be more like how I see/hear things-getting the best audio reproduction possible but accepting that recording will always be flawed or indeed subjective?
Is Robert Johnson any less powerful despite the primative nature of the recordings?

Finally there's no new good music.
I read that endlessly here on Audiogon.
And I ask one question-how do you know that?
Do you read about new music?
Have you the interest to search it out the way you tweak or try to perfect your system?
Do you know what's been remastered recently?

There is plenty of new music that is good but even ignoring the new stuff,there is an endless supply of music already existing that you've probably never heard.
Do you try to expand your tastes?
Does it even interest you to try?

If your relationship with this hobby is about the equipment then fine,that is as valid as any music lovers quest however please refrain from these glib criticisms if you haven't taken the time to make sure you know what you are talking about.

ben_campbell

Showing 1 response by stne418

Relating to Sean's first point....
I budget approximately $35 per paycheck for new or used CDs.
Obviously I'll get over budget sometimes. Due to stores unwillingness to carry much stock, sometimes you must buy when you find a desired item. When I was younger I budgeted for 2 albums per paycheck. Cds cost a bit more, but I still budget for four recordings or more a month.

I read music mags and newspaper reviews. Ocassionally I'll try some artist I have no knowledge of. Most recently this was Eric Truffazz. Sorta Maynard Ferguson meets King Crimson with a healthy nod toward the early to mid 70s Miles Davis bands. He has four CDs out on Blue Note. Electric jazz. I have no tendancy toward conservatism in my purchases of music and in fact new artiasts are in demand here! Dave Douglas and Bruce Barth are two recent discoveries for me.

My point is I see a different natural tendancy than Sean. Mine is to maintain my music habit at approximately the same level as 30 years ago. Minimum of four recordings a month and I'm always seeking new artists. I also use the Internet to locate concert dates by my fav artists, get the tickets and hotel reservations. It is much easier than in 1975! Yep...I still try to see Santana, Mike Brecker and the like whenever possible. However, I do not have as much time to pursue music as I once did. But then I do work full time now.

And yes Ben, the cost of the music purchased over the years drawfs the retail price of my current system and in fact the retail of all systems together that I have owned. I sell or trade equipment and music I do not like. And no...my stereo does not sound like live music...probably never will. Apples and oranges imho.