2. misc-audio
  3. 179758-154662

Why do so many members seem afraid of making an audio decision?

I mean it's a hobby sort of.  It should be fun.  If you cannot hear the difference between two components, cables, or tweaks, then you can't.  It's ok not to.  Honestly, I sometimes think that some mass hysteria hits the audio community over a new product that later doesn't pan out or some (big)scandal, and people get bent out of shape over it. 

    Here in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs I'm fortunate to have a pretty good slice of audio dealers plus having very different opinions on the subject.  That I think is great.  I may not agree with some dealers' tastes or recommendations but that's also ok.  After doing this for a while, you learn from your mistakes and also get a handle on what you, yourself like without having to have someone else always telling you.  What I have learned over decades;  if I like something, I like something, and if I don't like it or hear it, or think it's an improvement, well I pretty much trust my own decision making.  I come to Audiogon hopefully to learn from the more experienced enthusiasts about recent developments and about my own stuff. 

128x128vitussl101

Showing 2 responses by edcyn

edcyn
1,876 posts
 

The stuff costs a lot of money. It can make a mess of a room. Putting it to full use can drive other family members...not to mention neighbors...nuts. The magazines and websites that cater to the trade possess writers who are talented and convincing enough to make you think that your opinions...or shall we say your ears...are less than stellar. In other words, the pursuit isn't exactly guilt-free.

 

Then again, it ain't like a motorcycle. The worst that can happen to you is a bit of tinnitus, and a hernia from lugging the components around the room in order to find their perfect locales.

edcyn
1,876 posts
 

One of the blessings of living in a large metropolis is having enough dedicated high-end audio outlets to actually be able to listen to components and systems -- to gain a sense of what is truly excellent, what you truly prefer among those excellent choices, and how much lucre you must be willing to part with to make you happy.

Then again, if you don't have reasonable access to several stores, it's perfectly okay to read the audiophile magazines, hang out on this website, and search out enough live music to be able to get a finger on your particular tastes. Go to a bar with a live act. Go to a C&W venue or the local symphony/chamber music society (if one exists). When you're at the bar, listen to the clink of glassware and people's voices. In other words, develop an ear.

More to discover