I have noticed that people with thick long hair covering the ears (often women) do not hear some of the finer aspects of the sound like soundstage, and therefore dont get as much enjoyment from high end systems. I have checked this out myself once when we were going to a fancy dress party and I was dressed as a rock star with long wig. I have also asked a couple of women to put their hair behind their ears and tell me if it sounds different or better, but that was not as definitive. Could this be a factor explaining why most people in here are men?
Emily : What's all this fuss about hare over ones ears, Cheddar Cheese ?
It's not like people actually put hare in their ear, nose or eyes ! How could it have any impact outside? What do you have against rabbit type critters anyways, Mike 60? You probably have one on a keychain! Dyed green! Be nice. They are endangered feces. Can we talk about all the fuss about violins on television instead?
I would suspect the majority of the benefit from removing one's glasses is that if you can't see very well to look around the room you'll be forced to focus more on the music. Ever close your eyes while listening?
As for Kenny G, who said he was an audiophile? It was simply stated that his music is geared more for women than men.
I generally prefer the sound of my speakers with the grills on, but Focals expose the tweeter above the grills. I did prefer the grills off on my previous speakers where the tweeter was covered.
I really like the strength to hair length reference, great! If it's true I should be bald.
I sell custom Q-tips at $50 a pair so besides the long hair issue, you will hear much better after you buy these from me. I also accept Paypal with no extra fees and free shipping!
On a somewhat related topic, a reason why one system sounds great to someone, but "bright" or "dark", etc, to someone else is the difference between resonant frequencies of their respective middle ears and ossicles. Close but not identicle b/w people; we all have our own built in EQ that isn't like everyone elses. Combine that with the contribution of the shape variance in our auricles and hair on top of that, there is likely a difference
The consensus is to get a haircut to hear the soundstage, but its rumoured that you dont have the strength to move your speakers to tune the soundstage once its cut.... catch 22 ?
My father in law has crazy ear hair, like you read about, and he loves to listen to system changes. Maybe he would hear all the way to the generating station if I machete that forest!
Well, at least now I know how to respond when people ask me why I wear my hair short! All in the service of the music muse. I've read for years about removing one's glasses when listening and I swear it makes a difference...and please, no glass coffee tables. And Elizabeth, regarding the bra, well depends on the cup size now doesn't it?
Think about it. They're right there in front of the ears. I've often suspected that they had a lot to do with the changes from early Elvis to late Elvis music.
Viridian, I used to have that same problem with my chest hair. When I asked my stylist she suggested either a wax job, or a tuned beard. I went with the beard option, and my soundstage is better than ever.
All audiophiles, men and women, should either have a shaved head or at least a flat top! If you have long hair, obviously you're not an audiophile. With long hair your $10,000 ICs sound just like $5000 cables.
I heard machina Dynamica will be coming up with a wig for audiophiles shortly. It will be one of their most brilliant innovations! The chicks will love it too!
Perhaps it's time to have audiophile ratings for hairstyles. Or better yet, audiophile hair care products. Full Spectrum Shampoo - $248.00 / 12 oz.. High Frequency Taming Conditioner - $248.00 / 12oz.. Each product could also be sent back to the manufacturer, and upgraded to the "SE" formula for only $124.00 plus shipping.
Excessive ear hair is actually good for the sound, filtering out any of unpleasant lumpy sounds, making the overall listening experience smoother and more engrossing.
I remember when I had my ears cleaned and they had to cut all the hairs out.....got back home listened to music and OMG. I had planned on upgrading my radio shack speakers but no need.
I think that it's obvious that anything over your ears will have an effect on the sound. Having hair over your ears would be expected to muffle the sound.
As for this being related to the demographic of audiophiles, I'd say this is a small factor.
In my opinion, a significant part of the audiophile "bug" is related to the enjoyment of having and tinkering with the equipment. How many women do you know that truly enjoy tinkering with electronics. For them it's significanlty more about the music and, in my opinion, when it's all about the music the system isn't nearly as important. As always there are exceptions, but swapping expensive speaker cables for a minor difference in sound isn't evidence of a listening being all about the music.
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