When System Improvements Are Marginal


I’m fortunate enough to have some items that I’m considering purchasing loan this Holiday weekend.  And I have a question that I’m interested in obtaining responses on.

Typically, when I’ve inserted a new component it’s been fairly obvious what the contribution was that that specific component was making to my system.  I’m reminded of a comment made to me by a long-term industry professional that went something like, “When trying out a new component in your system the contribution or difference that component makes should jump right out at you.”

However, OTOH, one of the components that I’m considering purchasing is not jumping right out me.  In fact, there are times when I’m not sure whether it is making a difference.  And, there are times when I think that it is making a difference but the difference is very subtle.  And I like it.  But, admittedly because it is so subtle I wonder if it might just be in my head.  And in this case I’m reminded of the common comment that as our systems improve, any additional improvements become marginal.  Or, the law of diminishing returns.

Anyway, I’m sure there are at least a few members on the forum that have been in a similar situation.  And my question is, “What did you do?”

musicpod

Showing 2 responses by musicpod

Folks, thanks for taking the time to respond.  However, no one really answered the question.  Except, perhaps, "cbozdog" but in a hypothetical way.

The experience that I referred to in the OP just has me curious for input from others that have "experienced" the same or similar results / situations.  Per my final sentence,

"And my question is "What did you do?" "



As a sidebar issue as part of the items I have on loan are some desktop computer speakers for my desktop computer system.  When I A/B/A, it is immediately apparent that there is a difference/improvement.  However, after an extended listening I start thinking that the difference is not that great.  But as soon as I activate the current speakers I'm immediately reminded that there is a difference between them and the loaner speakers.  As I said just an interesting sidebar issue for me as I spend time with these loaner items.

To tooblue and kenneythekey -


Thank you. Those were the types of answers that I was looking for.