2. cables
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Hype, Hyperbole and high price!

Okay, I understand that this site has to make money by having advertisers, but cheese and crackers, the claims that are made are just laughable if not down right criminal!  Before I attended an engineering university I too was duped into buying expensive wires and such.  Now, armed with an engineering and physics background, I can see through the BS claims made.  I try and not let it get in the way of my enjoyment of good quality stereo equipment, but when a salesman tries to sell me something based on testimonials, hype and hyperbole, I tell him politely my background and then ask him a series of questions which leaves him dumbfounded. 

Such crap as directional wires - (I used to work for both Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) and trust me, if we had to test the miles of wires for directionality in every piece of equipment built...well you get the gist.

I have friends that are audio snobs and although they argue with me (Basically buyer's remorse) they know that what I say is true and end the conversation.  Oh well, I suppose I will continue to get a headache when I read said claims.

Sigh!
128x128kenny928

Showing 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
kenny928, when my wife complains that her television show is terrible, I tell her to just change the channel.
It shouldn't be that difficult for a well trained engineer such as yourself to just find another website. I hear there are other sites out there, maybe try the DIY section at Audio Asylum.

Just sitting around whining and complaining really doesn't accomplish much, at least it doesn't for me. YMMV.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
@kenny928 wrote:

geared 4me- You missed my point completely, I was just pointing out that the industry is flawed and unless we as consumers put an end to it it will continue.

Yes, but what you are missing is the industry is simply a reflection of the flawed economy. As more and more money is passed upstream, the rich become richer. Hence the 'need' for $100,000 amplifiers, $500,000 speakers, $10,000 cables.
It's not just the audio industry either, look at boats, cars, pets, etc. Is there really a need for a $1.8 million dollar 52 carat diamond dog collar?

http://www.incrediblethings.com/lists/14-ridiculously-expensive-pet-products/

You will not bring any sanity to the audio industry until sanity is restored to the economic system as a whole. When wallets tighten, industries will change to reflect the change.

In the meantime, I don't see how it pays to shoot the messenger (industry) if you don't like the message (economy).
Industries cater to their customer base, the customer tells the market what they want.
If you look at the audio industry in general, you will note that EVERYONE has come out with newer, MEGA expensive products, not just cables. Amp manufacturers today top of the line product is selling for 3-5 times what their top of the line product sold for 8-12 years ago. 

I don't blame the manufacturers, they are only doing what they are told to by the market.
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