Does hearing the best in high end audio make your opinions more valid?


I say yes. Some say no. What are your thoughts?
calvinj

Showing 2 responses by mitch2

Everyone's opinions here are shaped by their own experiences, ability to hear and listen, and personal preference.  All opinions are valid but an opinion is simply the articulation of one person's perceptions.  The problems arise when people try and interpret opinions as fact and then judge them on an absolute scale.  Nothing is ever resolved because opinions are subjective and personal, and not universally applicable.  

Regardless of what gear or speakers people have heard, and whether it is "the best in high end audio," which is a subjective statement in itself, I gain better context when reading the opinions of people who have their systems posted here.  Seeing the choices folks have made when purchasing gear, the care they have taken in assembling their systems and rooms, and understanding the types of music they listen to, tells me more about how they form their opinions than knowing they have heard expensive gear.

@celander 
Validation of that opinion requires acknowledgement of a reference state. 
Exactly. So, is the reference state based on price tag, measurements, opinions of self-proclaimed golden ears, public opinion, ear of the beholder, all of the above?  Is the reference state subjective and individualized, and therefore not universal?  Who is in charge of validating?