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If Audiophiles care about sound, then why so few threads on acoustics

... and so many on cables?

I am sure there are 10 if not 50 times more posts on cables too?

I would hope that as audiophiles we could agree that acoustics are far more important than cables. A cable may (or should) make a fraction of a db change. Acoustics can make several db changes (or more).  A cable may have some impact on clarity or soundstage (and many can rightfully debate that). Acoustics absolutely will have an impact on soundstage.

So what is the reason? 
  • Is it because acoustics are "hard", i.e. you really have to put some thought into it? 
  • Are acoustics not sexy enough? 
  • Is it because they are often unattractive?
  • Is it because they carry much in the way of bragging rights (at least with many audiophiles)?
  • Do they not provide enough "retail therapy"?
  • Most audiophile really don't understand much about acoustics and can't contribute?
  • The difference between those who understand acoustics and those that don't is substantial for people are fearful of wading into discussions?

Interested in people's thoughts. People will drop thousands on a cable, $10K on an amp, or turntable, but I don't see anywhere near that spend on acoustics in most cases.
heaudio123
erik_squires
15,895 posts
 
OP,

Like the thread on subwoofer flatness, I challenge your post's premise.

Merely searching for "GIK" reveals that acoustics are an ongoing and lively discussion point here at Audiogon.



Best,

E
heaudio123 OP
689 posts
 
Except 50% of those GIK posts are yours Erik :-)

Seriously though, I just looked at the last several hundred active discussions. 1 was definitely about discussions, 1 sort of, and I know they are mentioned any time subwoofers are brought up. In that period of time, tons of cable and similar discussions. Gik is frequently mentioned, but usually as a response to something else, perhaps not even asked, but acoustics rarely as a topic and never discussed in any depth.
heaudio123 OP
689 posts
 
I would also apply the GK factor, where the ultimately usefulness of a thread = 1/GK, where GK = the likelihood that geoffkait will post in a thread. This greatly skews the post count and ultimate usefulness of a thread, but anecdotally it is rare he posts in acoustics threads, which makes them far more useful, even if there are less of them :-)
Post removed 
glupson
7,842 posts
 
I thought of "improving" the room, started looking up what could be done simply, realized it will be some work/time, and got bored with thinking about it. I did not consider cost as the factor, but it seemed it would add up quickly. That was before I saw millercarbon's recommendation about Corning. Which will be my first choice once I decide to proceed. Until then, it is pure lack of willingness to invest time and effort while accepting the sound is way worse than it could be.

Cable threads are more popular because it allows for more "electrical conspiracy" theories and "being smart". Not to mention fanboy threads dedicated to whole (and small) companies producing magic. Acoustics of the room is not disputable, not much to argue and outsmart the other guy about.


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