I guess it's something we are passionate about, but also it can become personal. It's like asking people what is the best car, they invariably tell you it's the one they bought or whatever you do don't buy the one I bought. Either way if you ignore their advice they may well see it as a personal slight, same with hifi. But today there is just too much choice for anyone to be right about the 'best' product. I have friends who love Klipsch, I keep trying every time I get chance to listen to them with different amps etc, but they always sound bad (and that's me being diplomatic). I like McIntosh but wouldn't buy at the price the ask. I have a friend with McIntosh / Klipsch system and avoid the whole hifi discussion. To each his own I suppose.
RE: the question: ":Why do forum interactions become contentious". . .
I've just had a very unexpected and very unpleasant PM from a forum participant.
He'd been suggesting I buy a certain component and I told him politely that I didn't visualize that particular purchase fitting in with my long-range plans.
His response was to accuse me of wasting everyone's time and to call me an "effing idiot" (except he spelled "effing" correctly).
The great majority of interactions I've had here have been very enjoyable and recent input from
more experienced forum members has helped greatly in clarifying my plan for the next upgrade cycle.
The thread on lesser-know Jazz has been great-- lots of participation and lots of terrific suggestions.
Nevertheless, I've decided to take a break.
Best regards,
Stuartk
He'd been suggesting I buy a certain component and I told him politely that I didn't visualize that particular purchase fitting in with my long-range plans.
His response was to accuse me of wasting everyone's time and to call me an "effing idiot" (except he spelled "effing" correctly).
The great majority of interactions I've had here have been very enjoyable and recent input from
more experienced forum members has helped greatly in clarifying my plan for the next upgrade cycle.
The thread on lesser-know Jazz has been great-- lots of participation and lots of terrific suggestions.
Nevertheless, I've decided to take a break.
Best regards,
Stuartk