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I think I've Just Seen Absolute Proof That Audiophiles Are Insanely Gullible

I didn’t want to crap on someone’s sales thread, so I thought i’d post my amazement here. The focus of my disbelief? The "Dalby D7-Vinyl Stabilizer," which is a damn weight that screws onto the turntable spindle to hold the record securely onto the platter. Listed retail? 4000 British Pounds! (although a mag listed it at $6,800! On sale here at AudioGullible for the bargain basement price of 2500 British Pounds, or $3600 US dollars!!! Just read a few snippets of the sales ad . . .

"The D7-Vinyl Stabiliser has a sonic character that brings music to life and the ability to elevate the entire audio frequency from the veil and mechanics inherent in prerecorded music. The gains are immediate, with sweeter high frequency extension while the mid and lower registers are beautifully controlled. The soundscape is wider, higher and deeper, allowing the music to breathe more naturally."

I’m sorry, but I’m calling total BS on this. A friggin’ weight brings "music to life," "sweeter high frequency extension," "allowing the music to breathe more naturally . ." Come on. Its a modified paperweight that screws onto the platter. One can only imagine what this guy thinks about some $20K interconnects for the turntable -- the music probably writes itself! And don’t forget the amazing improvement that a $4,000 carbon fiber mat might add . . . You probably would think you were hallucinating because the music breathed so much it was oozing out of the speakers, like on some of my more memorable nights in college in the ’70’s.

Now I have never heard this amazing gift to the audiophile community, so maybe it is the audio equivalent of the Second Coming, but really? $5,800 for this? It confirms to me that there is a certain insanity/gullibility/too much money/snake oil in this so-called "hobby," (which is a hobby to customers and ridiculous business for some manufacturers). When is enough enough? What about audiophile paint, that has amazing sonic qualities to cut down reflection and make the soundstage so wide that you feel you need a new apartment? Don’t forget the audiophile couch, that is sonically neutral but promises to position your ears to "bring music to life?" OK, I’ve made my point. No offense to the seller of the snake oil, but really . . . When is enough enough?

This concludes my rant for today. :)
moto_man

Showing 3 responses by alpha_gt

alpha_gt
155 posts
 
No one will argue the virtues of a good record clamp or weight. But, how much technology can one cram into a good record weight? There is nothing on earth that could justify the asking price. One could look up a local machinist and have him make you one that looked identical, send it to a plating shop for a real gold plating, and probably have it all done for under $300. So just because someone is wealthy enough to purchase such an item, doesn't make him any less foolish for buying into the hype.

 Have you seen the plug strip that is not even a very good plug strip, supposedly cryogenically frozen, and sounds so amazing you'll throw out your power conditioner? For only $400! The very Definition of snake oil. 
alpha_gt
155 posts
 
The existence of snake oil, and those gullible enough to believe it, are directly related. If no one were gullible enough to buy into it, then there would be no such products. 

I think I saw the plug strip advertised on The Cable Company's web site. My question is, what proof is there that the $6 plug strip you bought was ever cryogenically frozen? I guess the proof is in the listening! Anyone remember the Tice Clock?  

I forget which magazine reviewer it was that argued that as long as you BELIEVE it has made a difference in the sound then it was worth the money. 
alpha_gt
155 posts
 
As the old saying goes, "If something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is".  I try to keep that in mind while examining tweak products. And I also have doubt if their explanation has no basis in science. Many products have dubious "owner's reviews" of their greatness, and offer no reason why it works.  Then there are things that do work, and better ones do cost more. Until suddenly the price has just gone stratospheric, in those cases I am reminded that a Timex is a very accurate time piece, but a Rolex cost 1000 times more, and doesn't keep time as well. But, it's a status symbol and is real pretty to look at. No one argues that the Rolex isn't a good clock.  Back in 1986 I bought a Monster record clamp, it was $35, I had my doubts but I bought it! And it worked! Nothing revolutionary but it did help tighten up the bass. Last year I see the exact same record clamp, I mean exactly the same, selling for $300. Has inflation gone up that much since 1986? If so I really need a cost of living increase! 
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