avoiding component purchase errors :part 2


in my previous discussion, i mentioned the importance of being aware of personality traits which may conflict with the sound that results froma particular component selection.

it is important that one be aware of one's preferences. if one has no idea what type of presentation is enjoyable, the result will be numerous purchases and sales in the quest of finding one's audio nirvana. one may be lucky at some point and achieve it, or one may continue to buy and sell for years and years.

it's a good thing that seious audio hobbyists do not "change" their spouses as often as they change their equipment.

if one has a desire to create a sound that conflicts with one's psychological makeup, the equipment will change frequently, but the persoanlity will probably not change.

better to have your tastes in sound consistent with your psychological make up, once you have figured out both.

as an example, consider the dimensions of stimulus intensity and complexity, and consider that most manufacturers design for maximum resolution, while the paragon of a high quality stereo system is also maximal resolution.

human being differe with respect to sensitivity of nervous systems to income stimuli and their ability to process data in a time fashion.

if you overload your brain and nervous system, you will take an action to achieve a comfort level.

if you want more and more detail and clarity, you may reach a point weher you have excede your threshold of tolerance.

such a situation puts your desires in conflict with your physiological and psychological capabilities. this is a recipe for eroors adn more buying and selling.

numerous studies have demonstrated that an intermediate level of complexity and intensity is an optimal state.

what levels of complexity and intensity are ideal for an individual, must be ascertained, creatively by that individual.

one need not be ashamed to admit that backing away from a high resolution stereo system may be better for one's health.

too many of us are concerned about being criticized by others for liking a sound which others consider inferior.

most of the time we listen alone and it is better to please ourselves than please the few friends who come over and share our listening experiences.
mrtennis

Showing 1 response by douglas_schroeder

Phd, it is not surprising to me to see the fanaticism/compulsiveness of the audiophiles on Agon, or on the Asylum. Having observed a bit myself, it appears that all people display compulsive behaviors. It just varies from person to person what that compulsivity involves. By the time one takes into account dietary, sexual, monetary, internet related (read Agon discussion forums?) etc. aspects of behavior, it becomes fairly easy to see how people operate at times "out of control." It seems that only when it becomes harmful in the extreme do we suddenly take notice, like when a fellow Agoner admits he's overspent or threads lament of conflict at home beause of WAF...

Some compulsive behaviors seem benign, such as the grandma who knits obsessively, or the retiree who plays golf every single day and no one takes notice. Yet, there is as strong a driver behind their actions as the out of control spending of some on audio equipment. Totally different motivations likely, and quite different outcomes. But, supporting my point that people tend to "overdo" it in certain areas of their lives. Someone may say, "I don't do anything." Further confirming evidence of my observation...