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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
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,382 posts
 

Op yes it’s possible to know what you are doing. You know the basic of matching.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,902 posts
 

It’s a total potshot and potential waste of lots of money whenever one does not know what they are doing. 
 

Options:

1) live and learn and pay the price along the way

2) go with gear that someone who knows what they are doing integrated for you.  Kef ls60s are a good example. 
 

In any case unless you hire someone who knows what they are doing it is still always up to you to integrate a system into your listening room well. Trial and error and live and learn works well always there. 

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,136 posts
 

Learning what sounds good to you is a huge step, and that can actually take quite a while.  I remember being frustrated early on because I didn't know what it was supposed to sound like.  Developing a real reference from listening to natural acoustic music and vocals can help too.  If you’re fortunate enough to get good exposure to a true top performing system(s), and talented mentor(s) can only help in your recognition of what a great system can sound like.  

In the end it’s really every man (or woman) for himself.  It’s YOUR journey, and you’re the one that needs to be satisfied. Enjoy it!

 

dwest1023
300 posts
 

I remember when cd players were all the rage. I read an article about the Micromega stage two. I managed to get one and behold best sound player I’ve ever heard. It was so musical. Unfortunately it was not reliable. Thus began my frustration. It took 25 different players before I found The sound. Ended up with a Meridian 508.24. Not sure it was as musical as my Micromega, but it was as close asI could get. So my point here is, this hobby can be frustrating if you are looking for that  particular sound. 
 

For me it seems no matter what equipment you have at some point I think you get bored. So to counter that, I have 6 amps and 12 pairs of speakers. So when I get bored I switch out something. As been said, at some point you just have to enjoy the music. The journey ends when You end it.

 

jl35
4,217 posts
 

I think very very many here are very happy with the music systems they have put together...

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