Hi Elizabeth: I have a bit of an odd one for you. If an audition causes me to subconsciously tighten my jaw but sounds good, then something is amiss. This usually signals, to me anyway, an exciting piece of gear or synergy that will not fare in the short/long run and will become fatiguing. I also us the same selection of music for every audition (which drives my wife crazy when I fiddle at home). I will add a song or piece only when I am familiar with it enough to know when each note and instrument is coming up. I focus on notes and percussive strikes as well as the whole of the music. This method really helps expedite the process for me. Also with some auditions I have had to keep reminding myself to analyze the gear. The last of these being a pair of Reynaud speakers, which I purchased immediately afterward. I call these no brainers if I am in the mood for a change and the price is right. If you are seriously interested in something then do all that you can to obtain a home demo as the room, for most of us, is a major part of the system (usually the bad part).
For Newbies: how to listen:swaps/changes
Listening to a system component change, or going out to listen to new equipment, can be confusing to someone who hasn't mastered the art. I would like to start a topic that might get others to note just what THEY listen for/ notice when modding/swapping stuff. So newer students of the art of swapping/modding (and auditioning) can learn.
I usually will listen to whatever CD has my attention lately and a few that I especially like. I WILL repeat the same parts (I don't get bored, I actually find more every time I listen) i listen, noting if any "new" sound is 'jumping out at me (a triangle I never notice as such before, or that it suddenly sparkles so dramatically) or if some sound is suddenly totaly recognizable (a tapping on a glass with a spoon!! in a P J Harvey tune). etc..
Also switching BACK and seeing if it really is different... and quitting if your "hearing" gets tired.
Any others with hints???
(I'm NOT listing all my ideas now so we all don't get bored reading just my hints!!!)
I usually will listen to whatever CD has my attention lately and a few that I especially like. I WILL repeat the same parts (I don't get bored, I actually find more every time I listen) i listen, noting if any "new" sound is 'jumping out at me (a triangle I never notice as such before, or that it suddenly sparkles so dramatically) or if some sound is suddenly totaly recognizable (a tapping on a glass with a spoon!! in a P J Harvey tune). etc..
Also switching BACK and seeing if it really is different... and quitting if your "hearing" gets tired.
Any others with hints???
(I'm NOT listing all my ideas now so we all don't get bored reading just my hints!!!)