the process is more challenging than the result


it is my hypothesis that the process of "perfecting" or attempting to attain a specific "sond" from one's stereo system is more challenging and enjoyable than listening to the stereo system after a particular "result" has been acieved.

while it is enjoyable to listen to music on a stereo system, the steps taken to satisfy your sonic goals are more interesting, self-actualizing and "fun", than passively listening to music.

as has been said, one can get most of the benefits of listening to music on a table radio, that one gets from listening to music played through a well set-up stereo system.

there is no substitute for experimenting, tinkering,trial and error ,experiencing new "sounds", and hopefully,achieving the type of sound one truly desires.

such a quest, could be the reason so many used components are available for sale.

many are in this hobby because they are chasing their dream of sonic utopia, rather than strictly to listen to music.
mrtennis

Showing 4 responses by mr_man

If the choice were vast amounts of music on a table radio or limited amounts of music on my "system", I'd gladly choose the table radio. I definetly believe that the music is more important than the medium or hardware...

However, I find my system adds greatly to the experience - so much so, that I'll often forgo listening to a new album until I have the time to savor it on that system.

I've also spend multiple thousands on my car sytem and though significantly better than stock, I find I rarely turn it on. I can enjoy it, but I'm never as satified.

Tone, timbre, sounstaging, etc....when these are right, the result is truly thrilling!
MrTennis, I agree that if one could tune/voice a system to their FULL satisfaction the quest would indeed be over.

What I find purplexing is that, once you've acheived this goal, you'd be no more inclined to enjoy this great system than to listen to a table radio.
I suppose I'm one of those that finds the process of tuning a system less satisfying than the result. In fact, for me, tedious would better describe the process.

In all honesty,(if this were possible)I'd prefer to pay someone else to do all the tweaking/experimenting for me.
I just want to walk in the room, turn it on and get lost in the music...

I take the same approach to cooking. Hate it. But I love good food, and truly admire those I know who are fabulous cooks.

On the other hand, I excersice hard for one hour, six days a week. I love the workout(cycling one day/resistance training the next) AND I love the result. In this case, I enjoy both aspects of the activity equally.

And finally, when I make love to my girlfriend, I most definitly enjoy the process. Fortunatly, no "results" running around yet....
"The process is more challenging than the result" is the title of this thread, and I would agree. I think the difference in our perspective is that you enjoy this particular challenge, whereas I don't.

listening is passive.

I agree with that also.

I don't look at it as an achievemnt, any more than eating a terrific meal in a fine restaurant.

I had no part in preparing it, but it's still delicious. If I found it more satisfying to make it myself, I would do that.

one can get most of the benefits of listening to music on a table radio, that one gets from listening to music played through a well set-up stereo system.

I agree, "most" of the benefits are present regardless of sound quality.