2. misc-audio
  3. 194477-20042

What is the most overlooked consideration?

What is the most overlooked consideration when buying a piece of audio gear? We all buy gear and we all have to make choices as to what component to get, what brand, etc. What is at the top of your criteria for choosing a piece and why? Synergy? reputation of brand ?hype your heard? it’s the best compliment to my system? warranty and service? I just wanted to try a cable? I only buy brands from the UK? Etc 

So you can tell what’s at the top of your list but mostly I want you to share what you think is a much overlooked consideration and why?
 

For myself I often think customer service gets overlooked as being very important.

2psyop
2psyop's avatar
2psyop OP
1,819 posts
 

Very interesting and thought provoking answers. It’s a way the Audiogon forum can actually help, by sharing ideas, solutions and opinions. It is possible that threads do not have to be filled with arrogance and personal attacks. For those who have a complimentary stereo component or accessory the WAF is another overlooked consideration. No offense intended. Offered by @aewarren and I am in agreement.

oberoniaomnia
166 posts
 

+1 The room.

2.) Psychology. Does it really sound different, or do I only think it has to sound different? Is it better, or do I think it has to be better because I spent more?

bigkidz
3,426 posts
 

The simple answer is:

Understanding how a component produces music which comes down to the build and the parts used like the transformer, power supply design and capacitors used, etc.

Without knowing this, you are just buying one brand or another.

 

tomcarr
1,646 posts
 

+1 @jmera Reliability

devinplombier
639 posts
 

@oberoniaomnia Absolutely. Also, feelings of inadequacy, FOMO, and blind faith and willful ignorance sometimes lurk in the background.

@bigkidz It sure helps to understand what's inside the case, but isn't auditioning the primary decision-making criteria here?

More to discover