High End Validation

LOL, John.

What got me into buying high end audio gear was hearing a friend's system during a summer BBQ. He was playing a mix of music, and at one point a piano was playing. It sounded real to me from where I sat out on the patio. I wanted the same thing from my system.

So, the pizza delivery guy's comment today was validation that I had achieved the goal in some small measure.

I certainly don't seek it. I don't ask leading questions about the system looking for compliments. His comment was completely unsolicited.

What really tickled me was when he said he liked Beethoven.

Well...now there's something I hadn't considered...

I wish I had used a word other than validation.

That really wasn't the point at all.

Anywhoo...

Now my question for you, did your pizza man tell you your stereo system sound real but your music sucked? :-)
Newbee (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

No. He liked the solo piano selection that was playing, which prompted his comment about liking Beethoven.

The irony of the situation, and the complete...and happy...180 degree spin on my preconceived idea of what he would typically enjoy was really what made me smile.

I think sometimes we're so close to our systems, and we polished and re-polished the gem so many times we don't recognize the luster.

The comment from the guy at my door provided fresh ears. He heard music approaching reality to the degree he had to ask if it was real. Frankly, his initial assumption was that it was real. I believe what caused him to second guess himself was the size of our living room, which is not large enough to conceal a piano from the view of someone standing at the front door.

Yikes. I really needed to edit the post above. Sorry for the confusing syntax.

Puerto, what was refreshing in the moment was that the person commenting on the sound had no idea he was listening to a stereo system. He couldn't see it. He was commenting on what he heard, which at first he thought was a real piano.

I don't expect any friends or visitors to give a damn about the stereo system, or to comment on it, or to even ask to hear it, and 98% of the time my expectations are met.

I took it to mean “satisfaction” or “gratification,” the kind that results from another person’s recognition of your success at something to which you have devoted considerable time and effort.
Bryoncunningham (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

Yes. You understand it.

Yet, prior to the comment about the piano being made, I was still striving to attain the goal. The comment by the delivery person made me recognize that in some measure, the goal had been already been achieved.

Sometimes we need a metaphorical smack up side our head to wake us up to reality.

I say take a pat on the back when you can.
Ohlala (Reviews | Threads | Answers)

Ohlala, I imagine many of us can take a pat on the back. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of ears to help us realize our achievement.