One of the trends in HEA is the "I’m smarter than you guy". This group has always existed but has exploded due to mainly budget orientated Youtube audio sellers that make outrageous claims. Even an Audiogon poster claims a Fosi amp is all one needs(lol). The Irony of this is the Youtube "cult" leaders are lying and laughing while manipulating these unaware "smart guys" with a profitable side hustle.
WHY DO SOME AUDIOPHILES TRY TO TELL OTHERS WHAT THEY CAN OR CAN’T HEAR IN A SYSTEM?
I ask the question. Because I have had several discussions on Audiogon where certain posters will try to tell another person what they can or can’t hear in a system. Most of the time never hearing or having experiences either the piece of equipment, cables etc. It is usually against those that spend money on more expensive equipment and cabling. Why is this so prevalent.
Showing 5 responses by dayglow
@calvinj IMO the issue with Audiophiles is some take a cynical view of this hobby/lifestyle. Others see the possibilities of conveying music for an intimate experience despite the roadblocks and misinformation out there. The naysayers rebuttal always leads to the same tired and irrational cliches...law of diminishing returns, snake oil, audio jewelry, bragging rights, cost validation and the current cliche the over importance of measurements. Audiophiles all have different levels of acceptable refinement not just with gear but also music. If an Adcom amp with JBL’s propped up on milk crates playing poorly recorded Sabbath can shake the walls is the "Holy Grail" run with it. Thankfully some of us want to hear(experience) the subtle macro/micro nuances of well recorded Beethoven/Coltrane/Pavarotti and Pink Floyd that only a certain level of audio components can achieve. |
@calvinj Always appreciate when one takes time to reply! It needs to be repeated most of us with true HEA systems have no interest in bragging rights or criticizing others. The negative/cynical fodder usually emanates from budget/vintage or the DIY segment. |
@calvinj Great thread! My final statement is the more time/effort/knowledge and money put towards this hobby the better the results. It's that simple! |
@phusis Thx for the reply. Synergy has always been the key with building a fine sounding HEA system. The focus should be on synergistic systems at all performance levels not just mocking expensive components that are mismatched. I assume you understand all components have a performance ceiling, even with everything fined tuned...room acoustics/power conditioning/vibration control and proper set up. Newer modern equipment will almost always outperform even refurbished highly regarded vintage or pro/studio gear. Nostalgia and cost might be the only reason to take this path not that most think were above this gear it just does not garner any performance advantage. Lastly validation from other Audiophiles should not be a concern/need within this hobby we all have different standards. |