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Audiophilism is a hobby

This post grew out of another discussion on music vs. sound. According to a poll taken in that discussion, it is clear most A’goners claim they listen to their rigs primarily for the music. Although I don’t doubt the truth of that, I maintain that much of the listening is as a hobby, with music being a very important component. I’m not saying we can’t be profoundly moved by the music but rather that a lot of our enjoyment comes from the sheer sound emitted from our speakers. Great music is of course a vital part of the experience, but with all the manipulations we do with our systems, we  are fascinated by the idea of sound in itself as a hobby.

rvpiano

Showing 4 responses by tomcy6

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tomcy6
2,621 posts
 

Audiophile Billy is sitting there fretting about the distortion, the transient accuracy, the imaging, the soundstage, on and on and on and on….

Billy is a ball of anxiety, angst and minutiae-scrutinizing madness.

I have never met anyone who listens like that nor have I read posts by those poor people.   If you can provide links to posts by all the Audiophile Billies around here I'll be happy to read them and maybe learn something.  I guess I just don't read those threads.

 

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,621 posts
 

I don't agree that working and paying to get better sound is not about the music.  I'm sure that enough distortion could be added to the best written, played and recorded music that no one would want to listen to it.   We pursue good sound to better appreciate the music.

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,621 posts
 

Audiophile Billy is sitting there fretting about the distortion, the transient accuracy, the imaging, the soundstage, on and on and on and on….
Billy is a ball of anxiety, angst and minutiae-scrutinizing madness.
That’s the issue and “the angst.”

Billy is a great rarity or doesn’t exist at all. A strawman to use for the sake of argument.  

You can keep an eye on what's going on in audio and do upgrades from time to time and still be very happy with the sound you have now.  I think that audio is progressing and it makes sense to keep  up with what's new.

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,621 posts
 

I feel sorry for all the Audiophile Billies around here and I think you have problems elsewhere in your lives that make it impossible for you to enjoy music.  I don't want to get into your lives any further, but as far as audio goes, just relax and enjoy.  Be happy with what you have. 

But, if you come across a component that would improve the sound quality of your system and you can afford it, buy it and go back to enjoying your music.  Buying better quality audio gear Should not cause you anxiety and it need not be expensive.  There is so much good gear around at great prices that there's no reason that pursuing good sound should conflict with enjoying music.  

Best wishes on your audio journeys.  That's all I have to say.

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