Beware the audio guru


There are a few contributors to these forums who apparently see themselves as gurus. They speak in absolutes, using words such as "always" and "never." They make pronouncements about products or techniques they’ve never heard or experienced, justifying their conclusions because contrary claims are "impossible" or "snake oil." Those who disagree are accused of being "deluded," or suffering some insurmountable bias, or attempting to further some commercial agenda. On occasion, they have taunted detractors with an appeal that they engage in a wager - one guy wanted $25,000 cash up front and an agreement drafted by lawyers. Another offered 5-to-1 odds.

I am not going to tell you who to believe. But for anyone who might be uncertain about sorting out conflicting claims here, I suggest they consider the behavior of experts in other fields. No good doctor offers a 100 percent guarantee on any treatment or surgical procedure, even if medical science suggests success. No good attorney will tell you that you have a case that positively can’t be lost, even if the law appears to be on your side. No true professional will insult you for the questions you ask, or abandon you if you seek a second opinion.

A doctor conducts his own tests. An engineer makes his own measurements. Neither will insist the burden of documentation falls upon you.

These might be details to consider as you sift through the many conflicting claims made on Audiogon. In short: Decide for yourself. Don’t let other people tell you how to think, or listen.
Ag insider logo xs@2xcleeds

Showing 2 responses by onlyqualityhifi

If anyone on here things ‘measurements’ tell the whole story using the BS argument ‘if you can’t meaure it...’ then quite frankly they aught to be made to listen to The Backstreet Boys full volume 24/7 for a month. 

The good Lord gave you ears to judge. Use ‘em. And trust ‘em
Never trust a poster who says ‘prove it’. He’s an imposter!  If you have doubt, you DISPROVE it sweetie, I’m too busy enjoying the music. 

i trust my ears the way I trusted those records I co produced and mixed that went on to sell millions and allowed me to invest in hi end equipment starting me on the journey to reproduce the sound I heard in the studio and on those Records with the sound in my listening room. I wasn’t out to prove anything to anyone but myself. I just wanted to feel the joy outside of booking Abbey Road for the pleasure. 

I read the mags fed on the churnalistic BS and realised eventually that I was being lied to. I was being conned by HIFI gurus who wrote extensively in these mags and often contradict led themselves all over the place. 

Epiphany moment. It starts with the amp. When that fell into place I knew I was getting closer. I ended up with one of the least popular amps probably on planet hiend. Not because it isn’t amazing but more because the company have absolutely no idea how to market it. No I’m not revealing which amp because they named an edition after me due to my ( they said) uncanny ability to get more out of it than even they could. It’s one of those tweaker amps with near infinite options. 

BTW I also auditioned a fuse. Yes it improved the sound. Go figure!