The truth about high end speakers MUST READ


We audiophiles are a fussy discerning bunch who demand very specific requirements when it comes to what we hear.
The problem is that these requirements are seldom met no matter how much you spend on speakers. 

Forums like this indicate that audiophiles are trapped in a cycle of neverending upgrades and dissatisfaction no matter how much is spent.

We have been deceived into believing that a "one size fits all" speaker that has been designed by an "expert" who knows better than we do about our requirements, will be ok. This is obviously not the case since every audiophile has a different hearing response curve and different preference. 

If you choose a speaker that has a rising response with frequency, and you prefer a darker sound then its not going to matter whether it uses diamond or berylium, or mdf or aluminium cabinets, or a 4th order or 1st order crossover.

Its not going to matter if the designer has a phd in physics or decades of experience in speaker design because its YOUR hearing that needs to be satisfied not THEIRS.

We are being duped folks. The best you can expect out of all these high end speakers is substandard satisfaction for a few years before you get fed up and decide to UPGRADE!

In conclusion, the notion of a high end speaker is in fact a myth. No such thing exists. Buying a high end speaker is a complete gamble and most audiophiles end up losing not winning. The only winners are the speaker manufactures because as long as they continue to sell, they continue to profit. 

Its also impossible to compare all the different speakers out there in the comfort of our homes so the dealers obviously dont make it any easier for us audiophiles. Its pointless going to a store demo since thats not where youre going to be listening once you buy the speaker. We are getting a raw deal. 

Thankyou for reading. 






kenjit

Showing 1 response by snapsc

As we all know, live music, in and of itself doesn't always sound good...so, in my mind, live music, per se, is not the target.  But, there are aspects of live music that can be pleasing...examples might include dynamics, sound stage size, tone, etc.

Stereophile makes an interesting observation in this article about what tweaks different people's ears/brains differently... and hence may enhance their listening pleasures differently...or detract from them differently..  https://www.stereophile.com/content/subjective-loudspeaker-testing

I would add to their observation that in many cases, people's taste in music as well as their listening rooms devoted to music change over times...and these changes will often require loudspeaker/equipment tweaking to restore sonic bliss.

As a side note...I have a buddy and for the past 10 years he has had a Bose music system linked to a music server and he probably knows every word to all 1700 songs and can "name that tune" within a few notes.  He loves music...but he especially loves music loud (at least too loud for me) and could care less about tonal quality, live reproduction, realistic bass, etc.  He is happy and has no interest in changing anything.


Therefore, I don't see good sound as 'misrepresentation'...or as advertising slight of hand...or as an unachievable myth....like many worthwhile things in life, it is a journey...and only you can decide what you are searching for and when you are satisfied and deriving the pleasure/benefit that meets your needs.