Is it possible to really know what you're doing?


Somehow I managed to select components that are getting along and feel comfortable with how things are sounding after many upgrades.  I rely on others to advise along the way. I'm very good at asking questions.

Every facet of a set up is quite complicated.  Even power cord's can be challenging.  Name recognition is very important and there are so many names.

The technical aspects of everything involved is clearly overwhelming and requires a lot to barely understand.  I've learned enough to know that I really don't understand a lot.  At least I'm able to appreciate what I'm listening to which is all that really matters, and know if something sounds good.

Just my thoughts for what they are worth.

emergingsoul

Showing 1 response by mulveling

You can "train" yourself how to listen, and gain enough experience with systems and components until you become adept at recognizing what sounds "wrong" versus "right", versus what you like. Some people ramp up faster than others, just like everything. Then you pile on basic literacy in electronics and acoustics - more specifically for hifi audio - plus some diagnostics ability, and the right mix of skepticism plus open-mindedness (good luck) - and voila, you sort of know what you're doing!

Just like in my career, asking questions has been completely useless and ineffective 99% of the time for me, lol. A.I. won't help with that. Focusing on what I'm doing, plus sum of experiences over time time, is what does it for me. My listening "skills" were also a damn mess for a long time because I was drinking too much (quit 4 years ago now).