New Component Upgrade Success Rate


I like to try a new component once in a while when the upgrade bug hits.  Cables, tubes, power cords, power conditioners, headphones, maybe even something major like a preamp or a DAC.  I've noticed my successful adoption rate is pretty low and I usually end up returning the new component.  About one out of every four or five attempts is a success.  I'm batting about .200.   What is your successful adoption rate when you try something new?
mward

Showing 1 response by ahendler

My sucess rate is 95%+. You need to clearly know what you want your system to sound like. I tend to ignore any review that talks about resolution, detail, dynamics, distortion, etc. When a reviewer listens to a piece of equipment and says he played a favorite album and tears rolled down his face that is something I want to hear. Also I was a recording engineer for many years and try to reproduce the sound I got in my favorite control room. Remember all reviews are subjective as well as your own listening. You need to match them up to have any success. Your high failure rate is not knowing what you want
Alan