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Is positive reinforcement why things are sounding better?

So I buy a nice amplifier and later I buy a nice preamplifier and then later I buy Nice speaker cables and each time things seem to improve nicely.

And then I buy telefunken 12ax7 nos tubes for a tube amplifier, and improved tonality, clarity and  a tighter sound is what I get and it's very engaging (tubes are only a few days old). The cymbals seem to come through with more openness.

Things seem to be sounding pretty good and I'm saying to myself is it real or is it just positive reinforcement playing with my head? And the devil is telling me oh let's buy more NOS tubes for the rest of the amplifier. The effects of positive reinforcement can be very expensive. 

Just curious if positive reinforcement experiences have occurred for others, and how can you really tell?

 

emergingsoul

Showing 1 response by noromance

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,054 posts
 

Teles are great so at least that much is truth. Best way to check is to play some songs, then re-insert the previous component and replay. Still good?

When you change something expecting or hoping for an improvement, be honest with yourself. Is it really better? Pros and cons? Do you want to compromise on the cons for the pros so you can stay with the new item? 

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