2. misc-audio
  3. 188889-1635

Stuff You Tried To Love

I know we talk a lot about confirmation bias- we buy something and then convince ourselves we like it. Or something like that. But did you ever buy something you wanted to love and just couldn’t make it work? For me, Esoteric X-05 SACD/CD player. Bought from a local who was upgrading to the X-03. Big, beautiful piece of gear, but I couldn’t get used to the sound after 6 months of trying. Sold it to another local- I insisted he listen before he bought and I believe he sold it soon after as well. Totem Forest and Hawk. I loved the whole concept. Slim, easy to live with. Couldn’t get them to work in my room. The Model Ones were much better. I had a couple of other pieces, but this is long enough. BTW, these were bought used without audition.

chayro
jwei
134 posts
 

Pair of Spendor S3/5 speakers for a child's bedroom system.  i would have liked better highs and bass.  Even the midrange felt flat.  Still got'em on a shelf in the garage.

audition__audio
1,318 posts
 

First Watt amps. Most S.S. preamps. Horns. Harbeth speakers, Sanders electrostats, big omni MBLs, most KEFs I have heard recently,and on. Unfortunately as my personal systems improve and as I become a better listener, the list of also rans grows every year. So much equipment these days misses the true color and texture of the music or colors these beyond recognition.

bluorion
438 posts
 

I purchased an NAD integrated and CDP from a reputable online store a few years ago when I started building my second system. They were the most bland sounding components I've ever owned. Thank goodness the store had a great return policy---I couldn't wait to return them.

jond's avatar
jond
5,672 posts
 

Supratek Syrah preamp this was back when all the hype started and it just never sounded good in my system and also hummed like crazy.

hifihandyman's avatar
hifihandyman
77 posts
 

I bought a Benchmark preamp because it had nearly perfect specs and when I put it in my system it was just dull and lifeless.  I ran it for a month constantly and it just never seemed to sound good at all.  There was a time in my life where I bought a lot of preamps and at times had no preamp.  My Classe is as close to perfect as I could find.  Very easy to listen to for hours and hours.

More to discover