Open-Minded or Gullible?


Since recently joining this discussion group I have learned a few interesting things, reevaluated some of my opinions (biwireing), and marveled at a most astonishing collection of quasi-scientific mumbo jumbo. (Sorry about that).

Because I really would like to pick up some useful information, I need to have a feel for the degree of credibility to be given to comments made here. Should I really run out and spend $2000 on speaker cables because someone says they sound good?

I have suggested that we all have a limit to what we think might be true, or at least worth a try. Some, like me, are conservative: for example I believe that loudspeakers and phono pickups improve with initial use, but not wires. Others are more open-minded/gullible (you pick the word). I made an attempt to determine how "far out" the Audiogon opinion spectrum extends by asking a question that I thought would be near the limit.
"Do you think that reversing the direction of a cartridge fuse can affect sound quality?" Apparently not far enough!

8 of 17 people who responded to this question (some made other comments) think that reversing a fuse would (or could) make a difference.

What question should I ask next. Do granite shelves of equipment racks need breakin? I already know that some say yes. Does the air in the listening room need breakin? I don't dare ask. Instead why not have you guys tell me (us) where you draw the line, with a few examples near that line which you accept and reject.

Please no one take offense. I don't care what you choose to believe, and you ought to be proud to state your position.
eldartford

Showing 3 responses by lugnut

Eldarford,

Here's a list of what I believe will make sonic changes:

Dedicated AC
Power cords
Interconnects
Cryogenics
Isolation
Absorption
Coupling
Racks
Lead vs. sand vs. other weighting products
Shelf materials
Room treatments
Dust cover off vs. on
Tube rolling
Impedance matching
Cleaning
Alcohol
Weed

There are more. The obvious are speaker placement and equipment location. Looking at the list I guess I'm a believer to a certain extent. The fuse thing...NOT.
Eldartford,

I'm one that made other comments. My official vote is that no, reversing a fuse does not make a difference although cleaning it would. A lot of the stuff that I snicker at may actually make a difference in a very revealing system but my system seems to be immune from most tweaks. I believe that it is system dependent although some of the stuff seems to be way out there, maybe. One fact remains; everything is a tone control.