There was once an active contributor to the Audiogon Forums who went by the name Jfox. He was a very knowledgeable audiophile who had a very fine system: Sound Lab A-1 speakers, Aesthetix Io phono, Calisto pre,and Cat amps. He was a fine writer who contributed a lot. Since around 2005, he seems to have dropped out of sight. Does anyone remember him and know what happened? I would appreciate hearing. Thanks, Tom
Wow, look at all the A'gon veterans appearing here again. So nice.
Many of us have gotten pulled into new priorities that override our audio system refinements. It was not that long ago that our audio systems had been overriding all other priorities.
In time I think we ultimately miss those times of enjoying the sound quality that we worked decades to achieve. We return to the escape of music as before. And for many of us, the system sounds so impressive now that if we do even one update in two years, it is surprising.
As JD pointed out, we all spent so much time trying out audio cables. I have no desire to ever again get into that. Cable threads of guys spending $10k on a cable majorly turns me off here now.
Sadly, I recently had a component in one SoundLab back plate fail. The speaker works at low-mid volume but goes crazy when I turn it up. I was all set to send the plates in for major updates but I ran out of dough from all the updates I have recently done on the classic MB. So the speakers and the two 20A circuits to the living room and a new set of tubes for the amps will just have to wait a few more months. A change of priorities indeed. But I need to take JD out for a ride in the UN limo. I just wish I could somehow rewire all the audio cables in my car with Jade Ref's. I guess that only comes with AMG modded MB's. 8-)
And yes I had a minor health setback early this year but that will change in 2 more months and things much better again. What I have gone through in 6 months can not even begin to match what JD has gone through for many years.
"Just harder to do under the new system of controlling communication"
What has changed in this regard exactly?
Isn't it natural for people to move on to new challenges once old ones are conquered effectively?
There will always be those who are interested in new developments in technology and how that might be leveraged effectively in a hobby like audio. That's a big reason why I stick around despite little real change in my setup for several years now.
Then there is always the sharing of knowledge that benefits all, assuming an appetite.
THings change. People change and move on, sometimes deciding to turn back.
There is only so much mileage left in rehashing old generalized arguments however. Tubes, SS, vinyl, digital, power tweaks....what else can be said there except when a new product comes along to introduce a new wrinkle? Only those who still have a related proglem to address or are just interested in technology are likely to care.
Hopefully, those new to the site can cut through the noise (not an easy task though) and find the useful information, of which there is plenty.
Mapman, How do we help the new members cut through the noise? This site has so much knowledge, and clearly a lot of us are still hanging around who helped develop the useful files, but finding them is nearly impossible.
I have noticed many mid-fi newbies who are asking real questions and looking for real guidance, only to have there voices stomped down by the background noise. How can we help these people, they are the future of this hobby.
Is there a way to have the site sort through the files and pull out the truly helpful threads and post them in a separate category? Any thoughts...
I know the forums have never been a real priority to Audiogon management, so I doubt they will take on the task unless there is money in it, and that should never be the answer.
Here is my take; since the system 'overhaul' many, many things changed. I have noticed in my posting on these forums that it takes sometimes 2 days for your reply to post? The old system was not like this at all. That is just 1 example. I am certain you guys have others as well. For the beginner- look into the old threads as there exists a plethora of intel. This will get ya pointed in the right direction.
Jafox, sorry to hear about your speakers. Today's Sound Labs with the PX technology and the Consumate backplates provide a huge leap in SQ over what they did even just a few years ago. You would be amazed!
"Mapman, How do we help the new members cut through the noise?"
Its up to the members/participants to help mostly it seems. Many seem to take it upon themselves to do so.
There is power in numbers.
It would be nice if A'gon had some quality control features to help avoid total nonsense, but I suppose that might entail a fine line in order to cross into censorship that is better left alone.
After all its just audio/music. What's the worst thing that can happen? Bad sound? Empty bank accounts with little to show maybe?
Hopefully less of both at least when all participate in good faith.
I too miss some of the former contributors, particularly Sean. Let's also not forget former contributors that have departed this world, for me in particular Lugnut and Pubul57 (who became a good friend as a result of meeting via this site).
As JD pointed out, we all spent so much time trying out audio cables. I have no desire to ever again get into that. Cable threads of guys spending $10k on a cable majorly turns me off here now.
Amen! Sucker once and never again. What da hell was I thinking??
07-02-14: Kitch29 Albert, my archenemy Cornfedboy made your list and I didn't?
That was an early Audiogon list that was sent so some of us old timers for comment. That's why my name was on it and got Swampwalker teasing me that I was "communicating with myself."
Cornfedboy had some good things to say but he and I got into it more than once, so I understand your position.
Not to hijack the thread but I found it strange that there's no mention of William Edward Hickman on that Wiki page even though he was the main inspiration for the character John Galt.
Thanks twb2. It will be a couple more months and I can replace the back plates. I'm just having too much fun restoring my car to be quieter, smoother and faster.
That you Rleff but I like the looks of the A1s. And a back plate swap is easier that a speaker swap!
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