I think there is great sound to be had from both DIY and commercial products. Much depends on your skill level, budget, and time. If you are skilled enough to turn a pile of transistors, tubes, resistors, and capacitors, into an amplifier that sounds great, then you can save a pile of money and still get great sound. If you are not as skilled as the designers at the top amp companies, then you will not get sound that is as good as theirs. Few people are that skilled. But, some are. The same can be said for any category of audio component. Having said that, there are some DIY'ers who are happy to achieve what they can with their skill level, even knowing that it may not be up to the best of the best. It is part of their learning process that will be undertaken many more times during their lives. It is the process and the progress that gives them just as much satisfaction as the end result. It could be in the same classification as "ugrading" to a commercial products user. Many buy an entry level product knowing that it's not the best, but plan to step-up down the road. Eventually they hope to get to the top. Some can and some cannot. So, it is simply two different paths toward the same end. Satisfaction and enjoyment may be achieved on both roads. Personally, I make some things and buy the ones I cannot make well. I find this combination to be very rewarding.
DIY vs. Commercial HiFi
You may have seen the same post on Madisound as well. No coincidence. Just reaching out to all my online buddies.
I know DIY helps tie in a deeper bond with your audio equipment.
I know. As much as I am tempted to buy new speakers, I dont want to know that there can be a commericial speaker out there that can rival my baby.
But, the rich aren't stupid. Actually, most audiophiles have great knowledge about their systems and have been avid DIYers themselves in their younger years. They know all that goes into a HiFi and how to make one. Yet, they drive down to that snooty HiFi shop and pick up the #4 (Wilson-Levinson non fat) combo with fries
I wonder why.
Then it struck me. Opportunity cost. Why is that sice most audiophiles can write you a five page e-mail on how to do the best DIY yet they retire to the old combo deal?
It's just that most of them are high-up executives whose time is precious. What may save us about 10k$ can cost them far more in terms of their time and effort. Not to mention, the convenience of extended warrantys.
Most of us dismiss these folks as rich moron who try to buy their way to the top. I agree there are those who land up with thousands of dollars at best buy picking up bose and sony gear, though not going anywhere and think they have achieved audio nirvana.
So, now i have far more respect for my audiophile friends at audiogon etc who give genuine advice to the poor and learning
thanks
sincerely
-sub
I know DIY helps tie in a deeper bond with your audio equipment.
I know. As much as I am tempted to buy new speakers, I dont want to know that there can be a commericial speaker out there that can rival my baby.
But, the rich aren't stupid. Actually, most audiophiles have great knowledge about their systems and have been avid DIYers themselves in their younger years. They know all that goes into a HiFi and how to make one. Yet, they drive down to that snooty HiFi shop and pick up the #4 (Wilson-Levinson non fat) combo with fries
I wonder why.
Then it struck me. Opportunity cost. Why is that sice most audiophiles can write you a five page e-mail on how to do the best DIY yet they retire to the old combo deal?
It's just that most of them are high-up executives whose time is precious. What may save us about 10k$ can cost them far more in terms of their time and effort. Not to mention, the convenience of extended warrantys.
Most of us dismiss these folks as rich moron who try to buy their way to the top. I agree there are those who land up with thousands of dollars at best buy picking up bose and sony gear, though not going anywhere and think they have achieved audio nirvana.
So, now i have far more respect for my audiophile friends at audiogon etc who give genuine advice to the poor and learning
thanks
sincerely
-sub
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