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 slappy

I noticed when i set my Star Wars Boba-Fett action figure on the amplifier with his arms down, it produces no noticable effect, however, when i raise his arms up, it made some improvement. Then i decided to give him his Pistol and Rifle, and noticed a strengthening of the bass with tighter punch, but the mids seemed thin, but when i took replaced his rifle with his other pistol and everything sounded smooth, clean, and tight.

I've been messing around with a dead raccoon as well, what i did was lay it over the speaker cables and it seemed to bring out a little more warmth. Of course, this tweak is only lasts as long as the carcass. And sometimes the smell started to get to me, so i tweaked my nose with some vix vaper-rub and it seemed to lessen the burden of the stench.
My current raccoon set is almost used up, i need to go get some fresh ones here soon.

I also have been experimenting with a tweak that might seem a little strange. I replaced the fuses with carrots with a copper wire fed through them. I then removed all the internal circut boards from the chassis and hung them up with fishing twine. That seemed to result in a little broader soundstage and the highs seemed a little bit more refined.

Well, thats my tweaks. I'd like to hear some more of yours! :)