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Do people know what they are missing?

I read the following on barrons.com just moments ago and was shocked to think what folks are missing who have never had “industrial strength audio equipment”. 

BARRON’S

By Randall W. Forsyth

Oct. 4, 2019 8:58 pm ET

The 50th anniversary remix edition of the Beatles’ Abbey Road was just released. Even though I already own a pristine British pressing of the original vinyl LP and the 2009 remastered CD, I will buy a copy of the new version to examine further what is the apotheosis of the group’s work. And it will be through big speakers powered by a big amplifier, not through little white thingies dangling out of my ears.

All of which sounds anachronistic. As my former Barron’s colleague Joe Queenan writes, “Industrial-strength audio equipment vanished from the living room long ago.” Now it’s largely relegated to the so-called man cave, supplanted by spouse-friendly tiny smart speakers that emit sounds, but not music that engulfs you, as audio systems did when Abbey Road was released a half-century ago.

END

An mp3 player or smart phone may be convenient to listen to the music that helps you get through tedious jobs like raking leaves outside or cleaning the rain gutters that are beyond the range of an industrial strength sound system, but it will never replace the big sound of a serious system in my house. 

Am I that out of touch with the present day that all folks want is a 192kb encoded mp3 played through tiny ear buds? 

Every time I let someone listen to my system, they seem amazed. 

I just don’t understand these kids today!

Your thoughts?

vintage_heath

Showing 3 responses by noble100

noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
+1 dsper.  
     Maybe we should call it detrumpery instead of debauchery.      
     We need to at least preserve the separation of powers and specifically the House of Representatives check on Presidential powers.  Any president denying the legitimate over-watch function of the House needs to face the Constitutional Authority of subpoenas, investigations and the possibility of impeachment for abuses of power.  He or she needs to be held responsible for their misconduct.

Tim
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
vintage_health: "Am I that out of touch with the present day that all folks want is a 192kb encoded mp3 played through tiny ear buds?"

vintage_health,

     Unfortunately, anyone who describes mp3 as 192kb encoded instantly demonstrates they are indeed out of touch.

     While I agree with you about the pleasures of full scale music on a full-sized rig, I believe you're in need of some time devoted to increasing your knowledge of current audio technology.  Continuing education is required these days for audio/video literacy. 
     Please remember, becoming a curmudgeon is something to be avoided and guarded against, not something to relish in or admire. If you also find yourself often yelling " hey you kids, get off and stay off my lawn!", your curmudgeon affliction could be acute.  
     I'm not going to claim your case is hopeless because there is a cure; taking some time and educating yourself.

Best wishes,
    Tim
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello vintage_health,

     Nice post with a good moral to the tale!  I generally agree with the philosophy of 'whatever floats your boat' and that we all have our own priorities which are typically reflected in our music systems as well as other personal luxuries.  But I can tell your boss likely isn't in charge of quality assurance at your facility.
     If he's an engineer, it's surprising how oblivious to, and non-discerning of, such wide variances in quality levels he apparently is.  You can lead a horse to water, …..


Tim
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