Validation

hmmm quite the loaded question here.... But I will bite.   I think there is no harm in comparing systems In the proper context.   How much did person A spend to get the sound reproduction that they wanted?   I have heard systems that retailed for hundreds of thousands of dollars and sounded tonally incorrect to me.  I have also heard systems that were only a few thousand dollars that sounded tonally correct.  Everyone here values something a bit different in their audio reproduction.  If you read carefully you will find those who seek similar traits in the hobby.   But to start comparisons are silly.  You can have the exact same gear as someone but your room could make the equipment sound totally different!!  Buy what you want and enjoy!!   Happy Listening!!!

Let's have a different perspective here.  If someone asks me over and plays his rig for me I always find something positive to say about at least one thing [or more].  This always brings a smile.  Negative feedback is just that.  They can get that anywhere, including this blog.

To me, enjoying music and understanding system integration and synergy are two different things. I like both. I often tune my room with House Curve, through speaker placement, sub (pair) settings and acoustic treatment.  I appreciate getting someone else’s perspective as they may hear or have experience listening to things that I have yet to uncover or focus on.  I wonder sometimes if the bass could integrate better etc.  I like forums like this because people share knowledge that can help others get closer to their sound.  At the end of the day though, I’ll put on a record and enjoy it as I’m pretty damn close.  Other’s perspective have helped me get there - but I know what I like. Also, the journey is pretty great.  Help along the way is awesome as long as you stay true to your ears.

Sometimes it's the journey.i went all over America and picked up audio equipment.now setting it up. What therapy.enjoy the music and the therapy.met alot of nice audiophile with projects. Always had pic sent to verify. Not one scam but there were some if I could not get a Pic with a specific item no deal.

 Of course, compliments are always appreciated, but it’s not about ego, validation, or anything like that. If you don’t want any critical input, it’s your loss.

  A friend came over, so I played his favorite record (Santana’s first album).  He complained that, “he couldn’t understand the lyrics”.  My equipment is thoughtfully matched and fine (no one needs to tell me this) but it confirmed my suspicion that my room needs a lot of acoustic treatment.  Maybe my lp is suboptimal.  Whatever. I wouldn’t be much of an audiophile if I weren’t seeking higher fidelity.  
   My all-tube system is optimized for tonality, flow, etc. My friend, who is a music publisher, hears $.  I enjoy live recordings (among other things) with all their inevitable flaws.  My friend hears production values, more than anything, and can not get past the limitations inherent in live recordings.   I respect his “ears”, but he doesn’t kmow what he is missing.
   We all have different ears and focus.  Someone telling you what they hear is a just a different perspective.