I don’t know if this is a question of perception or weak-mindedness.In general, we trust in our own ability to discern good sound. Much is personal taste, of course, but with so much time and money invested in this hobby of ours I think many of us hope for validation when others hear our systems. When a fellow audiophile/music lover dislikes your system, especially after a major upgrade, it’s bound to make you question yourself, your choices, your taste, at least a tiny bit. Seems like a very human reaction and not weak-mindedness at all.
Perception
I’ve been very happy with my system lately, since I added new speakers and a new amplifier. I felt it was totally balanced and almost anything I played on it sounded good. Then a friend came over who had greatly admired my previous system configuration. This friend owns decidedly mid fi audio equipment and listens mostly on headphones.
In short, he didn’t like my current system.
Now, I’m starting to listen to my system through HIS ears and have wondered if it was a mistake to upgrade.
I don’t know if this is a question of perception or weak-mindedness.
So much of the enjoyment of our rigs is in our head. The system didn’t change. My perception of it did.
I now have to fight off his perception and get back to my own.
I don’t think I’m a unique case. So much of what we perceive in audio is controlled by our psyches.
In short, he didn’t like my current system.
Now, I’m starting to listen to my system through HIS ears and have wondered if it was a mistake to upgrade.
I don’t know if this is a question of perception or weak-mindedness.
So much of the enjoyment of our rigs is in our head. The system didn’t change. My perception of it did.
I now have to fight off his perception and get back to my own.
I don’t think I’m a unique case. So much of what we perceive in audio is controlled by our psyches.