Hall of Shame

I think Esmeralda has had the guts to write what lots of folks here really think and dare not say--although a bit more extreme than my own views on the subject. But, hey, folks, this is a hobby.

Personally, I advocate DBX evaluation but if that isn't your thing, then do it your way. If you are persuaded that you hear a difference when you elevate your cables on little truss bridges, then elevate away and let no one be the naysayer. We do this for fun, right?

But Brulee, that was my point exactly. Listen to what pleases YOU, using the equipment that pleases YOU, selected by the methods that satisfy YOU.

My first paragraph was occasioned by the many, many convos I've had over the years with ardent audiophiles who nonetheless, after sufficient liquid potation, acknowledged an absence of clothing from the emperor's tush....

Maxgain, my friend, have a nice, tall iced latte and relax a bit. This is a hobby, not a quest for revealed divine truth. Esmeralda is just as entitled to strong opinions as you are and ought not become the target of your wrath for expressing them. It is sufficient to say that you disagree and let it go at that.

When I said that Esmy had the courage to say what many people feel, I was not expressing agreement with what was said. I meant--and I believe--that many a'philes have opinions concerning the worth of (you-fill-in) that they are reluctant to express openly. Why? Because people like you blast them off the face of the earth just for saying what they believe. Yet you reserve the right to say what YOU believe, and woe betide anyone who dares to disagree.

Do what works for you. Evaluate the way you want to evaluate. Buy what you want to buy. Don't worry so much about the minds of young listeners being polluted by opinions with which you disagree. Most newbies are quite capable of making their own decisions about what is wheat and what is chaff.

Virtually all of us who have been in this game for a long time have valuable expertise to share. That our opinions vary--even radically--is only to be expected. After all, if we all agreed on everything, 99.999% of vendors would go out of business....

I prescribe a good recording of the Barber Adagio for Strings. It has a marvelous calming effect.

Will