Why do so many members seem afraid of making an audio decision?


I mean it's a hobby sort of.  It should be fun.  If you cannot hear the difference between two components, cables, or tweaks, then you can't.  It's ok not to.  Honestly, I sometimes think that some mass hysteria hits the audio community over a new product that later doesn't pan out or some (big)scandal, and people get bent out of shape over it. 

    Here in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs I'm fortunate to have a pretty good slice of audio dealers plus having very different opinions on the subject.  That I think is great.  I may not agree with some dealers' tastes or recommendations but that's also ok.  After doing this for a while, you learn from your mistakes and also get a handle on what you, yourself like without having to have someone else always telling you.  What I have learned over decades;  if I like something, I like something, and if I don't like it or hear it, or think it's an improvement, well I pretty much trust my own decision making.  I come to Audiogon hopefully to learn from the more experienced enthusiasts about recent developments and about my own stuff. 

128x128vitussl101

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

A lot of people are window shopping and like the interest a recommendations thread generates.

Many also seem to have a certain product in mind and become conflicted when alternates are mentioned because they are looking for confirmation of their choice.

Cost and lack of trustworthy reviews also come into play. So many reviews fail to capture how something sounds. Sad but true. They will say it sounds great but fail to mention any down sides or overall tonal balance that affects system matching.

Also living in the Chicago area has given me great opportunity for dealer and audio show visits over the years. If one is serious about sound, exposure is the only way find out what you like.