If you will tolerate a post from an absolute A-gon newbie ("long time listener, first time caller"), here goes:
I'm a psychotherapist for the federal government. Took my PhD from the University of Alabama. Also bishop in an independent catholic church (i.e. not "Roman"). Fifty-six years old, long-divorced, son in the music industry. Built my first music system in my pre-teens and have been listening and tinkering ever since.
In the course of a life misspent, I've been a professional singer and symphony player, choral conductor, and music critic for a medium-market daily paper. I'm immune to snob appeal/brand consciousness and the "oh my god, it's new so I gotta have it" syndrome. I buy only when I can hear a clear and convincing improvement over what I already own. I've gone through far less equipment than many of you--I envy the time and money to do the listening, buying, and selling that many of you have done.
Trained as a scientist, I'm a strong advocate for DBX evaluation of equipment. That being said (and before the subjectivists take down my email address and start planning ways to burn down my house) I also know that many subtle differences in amps, preamps, even cables and tweaks CAN be demonstrated through objective testing. Open-mindedness is needed on both sides of this issue. Alas,it is in damned short supply.
Thanks for listening. I'm happy to be a member of this congenial and knowledgable community.
Will
I'm a psychotherapist for the federal government. Took my PhD from the University of Alabama. Also bishop in an independent catholic church (i.e. not "Roman"). Fifty-six years old, long-divorced, son in the music industry. Built my first music system in my pre-teens and have been listening and tinkering ever since.
In the course of a life misspent, I've been a professional singer and symphony player, choral conductor, and music critic for a medium-market daily paper. I'm immune to snob appeal/brand consciousness and the "oh my god, it's new so I gotta have it" syndrome. I buy only when I can hear a clear and convincing improvement over what I already own. I've gone through far less equipment than many of you--I envy the time and money to do the listening, buying, and selling that many of you have done.
Trained as a scientist, I'm a strong advocate for DBX evaluation of equipment. That being said (and before the subjectivists take down my email address and start planning ways to burn down my house) I also know that many subtle differences in amps, preamps, even cables and tweaks CAN be demonstrated through objective testing. Open-mindedness is needed on both sides of this issue. Alas,it is in damned short supply.
Thanks for listening. I'm happy to be a member of this congenial and knowledgable community.
Will