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Perception

I’ve been very happy with my system lately, since I added new speakers and a new amplifier.  I felt it was totally balanced and almost anything I played on it sounded good.  Then a friend came over who had greatly admired my previous system configuration.  This friend owns decidedly mid fi audio equipment  and listens mostly on headphones.
 In short, he didn’t like my current system.
Now, I’m starting to listen to my system through HIS ears and have wondered if it was a mistake to upgrade.
I don’t know if this is a question of perception or weak-mindedness.
So much of the enjoyment of our rigs is in our head.  The system didn’t change.  My perception of it did.
 I now have to fight off his perception and get back to my own.
 I don’t think I’m a unique case. So much of what we perceive in audio is controlled by our psyches.



128x128rvpiano

Showing 2 responses by oregonpapa

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
It's called instilling doubt. People do this all the time ... and not just in audio. Usually, it is people who don't know what they're talking about. Sometimes, it is done out of jealousy and envy. Sometime's it is just innocent banter. If you're a seasoned audiophile (which you are), you not only can hear, but you know what to listen for. Your friend with the mid-fi headphone system does not.  Your ears are more experienced than his ears. Listen to your's ... and perhaps get a new friend.

Happy listening ... 

Frank
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I, at one time, had someone very close to me who has spent 80 years of her life worrying about what other people think. I still cannot understand why. 

Frank
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