..Was trying to remember the time before I ate the pill and finally heard the "audio matrix". I remember looking at classifieds for some good audio components and encountering strange brands that meant nothing to me for ridiculus prices. The thing that put me off the most was not knowing if these components were really worth these prices, and, if these prices represented the top of the line, if there was any reasonably priced gear of quality. Then I started listening. And I mean REALLY listening, cause actually I'm never really as blown away in an Audio Salon as I am at home, maybe because I'm not relaxing, etc. but it's just not the same. You just can't listen in the same way. I've noticed this with friends. If I sit them down to listen to my system, I can tell they're just not going to take the time / not comfortable enough to really get it. I believe that if I could bring my system over to their place, set it up and leave it for a month, they will understand. Today I'm admittedly cursed with audiophilia (It's the knowing that it can sound even better that gets you..), but have a healthy attitude that if I can afford a Mercedes, I can afford Mark Levinson, if I can afford $5k used car, I can afford $1k used Creek. (Or a $1,500 used Rogue Tempest, if the truth be known..) But it's still those moments when I'm sucked into an emotional performance in a way that could not have happened through Dr. Bose that makes me want to share the disease..
Why Don't More People Love Audio?
Can anyone explain why high end audio seems to be forever stuck as a cottage industry? Why do my rich friends who absolutely have to have the BEST of everything and wouldn't be caught dead without expensive clothes, watch, car, home, furniture etc. settle for cheap mass produced components stuck away in a closet somewhere? I can hardly afford to go out to dinner, but I wouldn't dream of spending any less on audio or music.