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. 

vitussl101

Showing 1 response by mikelavigne

some develop their own mental listening reference for decisions, and their own decision process. some prefer to rely on other’s opinions and trust their references. for some the process of investigation is work, or maybe not something they have the time (or opportunity) to do.

both are legit approaches.

personally one of the most satisfying parts of the hobby is system building decision making. just love the personal listening investigations.....and posting about it.

i went a couple years of reading reviews and getting recommendations for gear purchases and eventually 20 some years ago, found my own ear for things. it’s something one can learn.