HiFi is an opinion - nothing more

Just tuned in after a few days away and this is the first thread I read. Nice welcome back. My first impression was that Larryh was just trolling. His first message, though surprisingly containing a few tidbits of truth, was a classic bit of bait. I was surprised so many "bit".

Larryh's next post was more pertinent and far less insulting. While I would never respond to the first message, the second, being more revalent and less "biting", elicited this response. Funny how a change in tone does that...(hint, hint)

All that is my usual long way around to a point. My system is intended to do certain things among which is entertain by providing a quality music experience that cheaper gear never delivered (that's a long winded version of "it's about the music").

I have not fooled myself into believing that reproduced music in my living room will ever be exactly like that of Carnegie Hall nor that I will ever see Stevie Ray Vaughn live (sorry, his CH release is on right now). So, I shoot for the next best thing which is a quality setup on which to play what appeals to me at a specific point in time.

Oh, one more thing. While I disagree with Larryh about whether "a system set up to accurately reproduce sound in terms of phase, and frequency amplitude response would not be desirable by most audiophiles", creating a "live" sound environment *is* undesireable. Not only would the loudness get old quickly, it's also get me evicted. Seems I want some things a live venue doesn't provide: selection on a whim and volume control. Well, I've got both of those AND good sound. Yes, life is good.

Happy Holidays, guys!

I say we go after Larry with the torches and pitch forks... hey, before I have to slip into the Nomex again, tongue is very much in cheek.

Larry writes: As we come to the end of another year, I would like to thank everyone who responded to my somewhat controversial remarks. For the record, I too have been sucked into the world of audio, way past the sensible point of no return, to a place that ceases to represent actual music but rather some version or statement of accomplishment albiet vicariously through the efforts of others. Through this thread, the audio community has confirmed what I often suspected, that the pursuit of ultra high end sound reproduction, is a highly personal endeavour largely satisfying no one but ourselves and in some cases not even to ourselves. The most negative comments confirmed the latter. How many times have we all lusted after that new component only to be bored or unhappy with it after a short while. I sold my Krell KPS/20iL, (that's right, avoid the external preamp and cables to get a more pure signal)and replaced it with a Sony SCD-1 SACD. Yes the fun is in the "chase" as Eldragon put it. To all, a happy and safe new year and "good hunting". Larry

This thread should have climax with comments by Albertporter on 12-28-00. Enough said!!