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The worst sound system

Our group from work went to a bar here in Chandler AZ for beers and wings and they had their the music (sic) cranked upwards of 90db, it was hard to talk over. The speakers were "kick boxes" like designed for between the back seat and the rear cab of a pick-up truck hung on the wall about five feet up, piezo tweeters and all. The sound coming from these things was enough to cause mental distress, boom, boom, screech, screech, lord only knows what kind of crappy electronics provided the drive to these things. I won't even call them speakers and nobody seemed to mind the terrible sounds in this bar except me. I mean, this was so bad I wanted to leave immediatly but I did stay for a couple of beers and the wings. But, that got me to thinking, who put this crap together and why do all of these people sit in this place and either enjoy or put up with this sound? I will never go back to this bar just because the sound is the worst I've ever heard.
rhljazz
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Rhljazz, I feel with you. Had many similar experiences and it can really make me raving mad !!! I suppose my ear/brain is something rather sensitive and being endowed/cursed with absolute pitch, I often have to suffer. Most people,as you say, don't seem to bother. We audiophiles are indeed a rare breed, aren't we?
Cheers,
gregm
3,396 posts
 
Rhl, I felt the agony just reading yr post! About the sound & putting up with it: 1) the sound is so bad, dj's crank it up in order to hear what's going on (despite the use of 'phones) 2) I was astounded to hear recently that bad sound induces stress that, in turn, induces drinking -- i.e. more spending -- OR, makes people leave, hence opens up space for new consumption. I got this from a rest-bar owner! Go figure...
aragain
39 posts
 
I feel the same way about the local Best Buy. No, I don't buy my audio gear there but they are a last choice when I'm desperate for a cd that I can't find at my usual spots.

They have a bunch of 2" Bose satellites raised about 7' in the air pushed into distortion and somewhere they have the 'subwoofers' pounding away.

I plan my route directly to the section I need, grab the cd and head for the register. Altogether not a pleasant experience.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Greg, what is a "rest-bar"...one where you're supposed to rest?? ...and I thought that getting thoroughly drunk was hard work....
dmk
16 posts
 
Great Post! And timely as well. I was recently whiling away time at LaGuardia airport waiting for a flight when I saw an actual Bose display booth. They had those cute little Wave Radios which actually didn't sound so terrible although they are overpriced. But they also had one of their sub/sat setups there with the little cube speakers. It was very close to the worst sound I've ever heard! Granted, the acoustics weren't the best in an airport but shouldn't the manufacturer be aware of those limitations and take his crap elsewhere where it won't offend those of us with taste? The shopkeeper seemed genuinely befuddled by my lack of excitement and said I must be someone who is cursed with excellent hearing! Yeah...sure...poor slobs with less than perfect hearing must enjoy a combination of blatty screech and subwoofer flatulence...
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