Why don’t more members post their systems in their profile?
I’m always surprised, and a little saddened, at the number of members who don’t bother to post details and pictures of their own systems in their profile. This is often where I learn the most, providing straightforward, data-centric information. We have contributors, posting nearly daily, pontificating even, but don’t demonstrate or show-off their own setups. To me, seeing one’s system is part of their overall audiophile bona fides. What are the reasons so many folks don’t share their own systems with this community?
I agree. If I read an interesting post, one that does not reveal quite enough about their background for me to understand how to interpret it. I go to their virtual systems. They get a lot of credibility just by having one, and lots more because I can see where they are coming from. The kind and blend of components shows their experience level and a lot about their personality.
Then you just learn stuff about how many different combinations there are... it goes on and on.
So, I would definitely like to encourage everyone to post their systems as virtual systems.
Also, adding photos is simple there... that is the only place where adding photos is easy. You don't have to clean up your room... we are not teen agers. Just pull out your phone, take some photos from different perspectives and of components and do it!
it’s very simple why more don’t post their systems.
7-8 years ago Audiogon removed the system comment activity from the regular thread queue sequence and placed them below all the non system posting threads. so members must scroll down below the other subject threads to even see that there are systems or comments on systems.
this mostly eliminated system comments or greatly reduced the incentive to post systems or comment. many members basically abandoned updating their systems or paying attention to system listings at all. or moved away from Audiogon. system’s were no longer a big focus.
system owners won’t go to the trouble to post their system if there is not attention given to their system.
why did Audiogon do that? hard to say, but my guess is that it changed the power in the forum from system owners to commercial efforts. it’s a business after all.
is there an element of people not wanting others to know about what they do or don’t have? that’s a minor issue which might have some basis. but it’s not really what is going on.
if system activity was listed the same as regular threads system posting focus would explode. back in the golden age of Audiogon that was were it was at. you would see serious focus on system posting activity and lots of learning and system focus. and system comments are much more friendly and positive so it builds the community.....and relationships. i met some of my very good friends from system posting activity.....but not any more.
As individuals are Colour Prejudiced (Not Race) they are also Aesthetic - Brand and Product Prejudiced.
Giving a broad range of individuals direct access to witness through photos choices that have been made for an audio system and the set up selected by an individual.
Where the observer of a photo is not to receive a description of an impression made by a device the individual is using and shown in a photo, is a sure fire way to commence any further without there being a risk of a negative.
Systems are not typically the same as an assembly across users of audio equipment. The Space allocated for the System is definitely not Typical for users of audio equipment .
The Synergy that can develop between devices being introduced and the quality of the End Sound produced within a dedicated space are not going to be identified within a Photo.
Showing Items that are from a bygone era or commission built and only able to be understood if sat in front of and being experienced in use, is not going to cut it as a photo evidence of the devices in a assembly to produce a audio system. The unusual aspect of the devices seen will in many cases not be an attractor.
Assessing audio equipment through images is not going to supply to an individual a guidance to a set up they may find is to their satisfaction, unless a particular aesthetic is the main goal for the audio system, and designs used by others is being investigated.
I stopped using commercial media to learn about audio equipment more than 25 years ago, I walked away from Photos and Spiel about products that were very flowery as a description and follow up experiences left one feeling what was read was not quite accurate.
Close to 30 years ago, I chose to meet with individuals who were like minded to get my extended experience of audio. In certain cases, I was to meet with individuals who were much much more adept than myself where it comes to audio.
My Mentors were met, their Concepts described , their Work Experienced, and a personal system commenced to be built that has been a constant, and built on as a design for a system across a 30ish Years period.
The bulk of items superseded are not parted with, and are available to be used, the system is listened to in the guises it was once and new guises to keep it fresh as a experience of produced End Sound.
I change gear too often. It would not be practical for me, I would rather listen to music or surf the ads. And I have only been here for 25 years, so there is plenty more time.
I’m not sure that it really speaks to experience anyway, I have worked for nine different audio retailers and moderated a couple of audio forums. To me, that speaks to experience more than what I own at the moment does. But really, it doesn’t tell you what real gear sounds like in a real room any more than a picture, or video, does.
If you have a person that has a fantastic system, but does not have experience with other gear and doesn’t go to shows, dealers, or is not a member of a club, well that base of experience is somewhat limited. But just like me, this is an open forum and I don’t care about other member’s sadness and what bona fides legitimize anyone’s opinions, I would rather just hear what they have to say, YMMV.
I would happily post pictures of my system if I could figure out how. However, a poster's system does not change his credibility in my eyes one way or another.
I may be a tech troglodyte. My tech abilities prohibit me updating my upgrades. My virtual (silly me I thought it was actual my system in pics) is as as old as Methuselah. Pretty much none of the components in the pics are in my room any longer. :(
You make a good point about posters with a wider range of experience of hifi in say retailing. There’s nothing to stop anyone putting these things in the system details or comments if they wish.
Nevertheless, it is extremely helpful to know how posters are listening to music. It’s not so such a matter of credibility as being useful to know where they are coming from. It is very interesting to know how combinations of gear are put together in practice.
Yet, there is an element of showing you've got some skin the game. We can see that from threads such as What's your commitment to vinyl. I guess if you're wanting your views to be taken seriously, people are entitled to ask.
One of the biggest music and hifi forums insists posters declare their own systems, if they are going to comment on sound quality.
I find it frustrating that some members make pertinent contributions in discussions, yet I can’t relate it to a real system. Sometimes, people talk about an item of gear they own, but we have little idea of the context in which it is being used.
From my own point of view, documenting my system gives me a greater understanding of it and how it might develop in future. How can others help me in this, if I don’t give them full information?
There’s a limited chance anyone would find my mass ’attractive’, nor the space it occupies as anywhere near nominal.
However, since the near future will scatter portions of it ’twixt the old ’here’ and a new ’there’, I've got a period of time approaching that I'm going to disappear for it.
...stop cheering...I heard that. I didn't note not returning, no...😏
Some recent additions for a deeper dive into what I’m about has the opportunity to ’archive’ audibly what it sounds/sounded like as best as practical, if only for my grins.
From that point on, I’ll accept being classified as ’rarified’ or just certifiable...
Keep your fingers crossed for me; mine will be too occupied.... ;)
Of course, pics.....*sheesh*
I posted mine a while ago but it keeps changing. Kind of like using my yearbook picture for my profile. Some details change over time but the spirit remains the same.
I have posted my gear, and I find it interesting to see what others have done. There are many approaches to system building, no right or wrong, just different. I can understand why some may be reluctant to post photos, and wouldn't judge someone's opinion based on that, or what gear they own.
I think it is most useful to have a members pictures posted when they are seeking advice about making a change or solving a problem. You can get a point of reference to give them some guidance. I find it hard to be helpful when they list a bunch of components model numbers (I have a Rex 443, rex 984, BlaBal 22,...etc.) in their post and I've never heard of them. You then have to google every piece to see what their all about before getting an idea again of what is happening in their system. JMHO.
I find it difficult to door I would. I agree that help a lot. Especially when people are looking for recommendations on new gear. It tells a lot about the sound you're after and the amount you want (or need) to spend.
Should point out in general, it’s a good idea to limit the information one provides on the internet especially when there is open access, but it is up to the individual to determine what’s best for them.
I created a detailed inventory for my rig and then created a GPT to provide advice about it. However, I probably wouldn’t provide that level of detail in an online forum, because it feels risky.
Edit: I suspect someone could note a number of the components based on comments and questions I've posted.
I started posting pictures from the time I began building a system, mostly to have a personal record of my changes. My space looks more like a studio than an elegant listening room so I don't expect compliments, but it's useful if I have a question and people need to know my system to respond.
I enjoy looking at the systems but I respect that posting system pictures and/or details is a personal choice and not everyone wants to share that information. However, seeing somebody's system does help me understand the perspective behind their audio forum comments and recommendations.
Reasons for not posting a system are many and varied. Mine are because I am currently excavating a site for a Tiny Home to live in while I help draw up the plans for a new home that is large and far enough off the beaten path that the utility company will be running a dedicated 7 KiloVolt line to that location.
Now, I like to look at pictures of glowing tubes and oiled hardwood as much as the next guy, but I don't have that to offer unless I dig in my closets. I currently lack the space for a separate Home Theatre setup and a Listening Room. Sitting in my favorite chair, all you can see is the TV. My 5.1 system is completely disguised and out of sight, but it satisfies. From classical to jazz to Dune, it works for me, and that is what matters.
For those who enjoy the truly high end, I regret that I have only sold it to others. My focus has been on relatively small and durable, starting with the FM radio station I designed, built, and ran out of my dorm room in college. My current project, when not on the construction site, is to digitize my media collection, which currently takes up most of a 7x8x8 foot storage unit in a much larger temperature and humidity-controlled space used for art works and theater props. The Internet at the new place is spotty, so streaming is a low priority. Since I cannot show you my audio equipment, and leaving out everything on my test bench, I will instead just list the BRANDS of audio / video equipment I currently own.
Excluding some professional video equipment, my daily driver Nak Dragon, and the Dual Golden 1 platter spinner I bought new, I will limit insight into my obsession to a listing of the equipment BRANDS that I currently still own. In some cases, I still have over 2 dozen pieces by a single brand. The collection spans from the 1960’s to the 2020’s. Yeah, that's why I said obsession. I’m sure my wife will eventually be Sainted. Here's the list, which although neither TOL in most cases, nor brand new, indicates I love to listen, just like you:
A mixed bunch for sure, not flashy, but they offered something special at the time we first got acquainted. When the mood strikes, some of us occasionally get together again for a while. In the end, who could ask for a better circle of friends?
Alright. Done! I added a picture of my dog snarling at my speakers, to remind bad guys that the welcome committee here is comprised of mangy curs. Them, a security system and knowledge in self-defense strategies makes me feel fairly comfortable showing it off. Also, it is less than a tenth of the cost of some of the higher end systems I am looking at. Just pointing this out to any potential robbers - I can provide links if they need help.
mapman +1. I generally have little interest in the systems of others. Though I do try to state when commenting on a specific component if I own or have owned it ... I guess I'm more interested in how familiar a responder is with the component they are commenting on - but don't need whole systems - and many change often and have multiple systems...
@katzenjammer27 Log in first, then go to the main page. Next to the "Audiogon: the high end audio community" thing in the upper left, there is a drop-down button. Click on it and then choose "Virual Systems". Once on that page, click on the right-most tab entitled "Create System" (it is in the moddle of the page). That takes you to the page where you can create a system. One learning curve note - if you see an option to add a "Description" after adding a photo image, it will actually be changing the Description of the entire system.
@katzenjammer27from this page go to the top left corner and find the upside down triangle to the right of the Audiogon logo which creates a drop down window > select Virtual Systems > once the Virtual System pages loads go to the top right corner and select the three stacked horizontal lines > select Create Systems towards the bottom.
With Audiogon, you just have to rummage around until you find what you want - kind of like Costco.
I don’t see how anyone could learn where someone lives off of some pics of a persons system so I don’t get the theft thing at all. Even telling the forum the area of the country you live in is very vague and unlikely anyone could find out exactly where you live.
I mostly just like looking at others systems which is why I posted mine. I was surprised at the number of high dollar systems that aren’t in dedicated spaces with the importance of the room. Happy listening !
I was surprised at the number of high dollar systems that aren’t in dedicated spaces with the importance of the room.
I can only speak for myself, but I prefer a multi-use type room since I am often engaged in other activities or projects while listening. The room acoustics seem suitable, probably based on the size of the room and high'ish ceilings, wall insulation, carpeting, upholstered furniture with wool batting, and a few wall hangings. Another thing that helped with bass response was moving from larger floor-standing bass reflex (ported) type speakers to still large'ish, almost full-range, stand-mounted, acoustic suspension (sealed box) speakers and then adding two subwoofers that can be adjusted to dial in appropriate bass. This set-up virtually eliminated room-related bass problems.
My gear isn't shown on here for one simple reason. It's too much of a PITA to post it. I tried doing it with my phone, a desktop PC and a couple of different browsers. I gave up. When I spoke of this on here all I got in return was snide remarks on not knowing how to use the internet. Whatever. Think what you want. Don't bother to explain it now either. I don't care anymore. Seeing how it can be here these days, I'm content to read about 65% of the posts and that's about it.
Time and effort. Plus, systems are often changing. Then there is the question of which system, as many of us have more than one? That lead back to where I started, time and effort.
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