Think twice before concluding some thing sounds better

I always take several months to evaluate a piece of equipment. I have also found that AB tests lead you no where. I have very firm ideas what I want my gear to sound like and thats what I strive for. Buy the way your description of buying a tv is no different from how a lot of people buy stereos
Alan

Hi, guys....I throw my vote and HO with geoff, esp. the last paragraph.  It's a moving target; your space vs. the showroom, your equipment and peripherals vs. theirs, and 'broken in' and familiar music selections vs. the unknown age and use of whatever, speakers in particular.  I'll give a nod to cables and connectors and the like....those who've spent major money on such may be able to discern differences between x and y.  I haven't spent as much time with their stuff, so I really wouldn't notice any differences...

And then we edge into taste and preference, Pandora's box in any discussion of improvements.  What floats my boat might make you smile and be diplomatic about it, all the while thinking I'm insane and have ears between my lower cheeks.  On the other hand, the majority of 'high end' offerings are relatively equal in What they can provide.  It's the nuances of their 'presentation' of any given sound is what we end up arguing about.  And that, as we've noticed, can go on seemingly forever.

I'd rather not argue with you.  It's time consuming, ultimately a little rude IMHO, and it's better to agree to disagree.  I'll adjust my ears, shut off my preferences, and Listen to what you enjoy running.  I've always found something that I enjoy in other's gear in the place they've set it up.  But I've got to Be There to do so.  Not being independently wealthy and of a means to inflict myself on anyone's 'audio hospitality' kinda makes that a moot issue.

If you like what you've got, Great.  If you think it needs tinkering, have at it.  You're the judge and jury.  Me too, but only for mine and here.  If anyone's in the Asheville area, my door's open.  I've love to have a pair of 'educated ears' give my DIY omni's a critique.  So far nobody's brave enough to take the invite, even though I promise not to take umbrage if they think they stink.  So, in the meanwhile, I'll carry on doing the improbable with next to nothing and be happy in my delusions. ;)

Oh, BTW...Happy New Year, y'all. *S*

Mapman, I bet you are thinking of an upgrade.
I always focus on an entire sound picture, though certain aspects can be obvious right away. Fine tuning is another matter. And different is, well, different.

Ahendler
I always take several months to evaluate a piece of equipment. I have also found that AB tests lead you no where. I have very firm ideas what I want my gear to sound like and thats what I strive for. Buy the way your description of buying a tv is no different from how a lot of people buy stereos

I thought people bought stereos based on reviews and what they read on audio forums? The reason I mentioned TVs is to show that people trust their vision much more than their hearing. That’s why they can make a decision when buying TVs rapidly but are UNABLE to make decisions quickly for stereos due to a number of factors, including not knowing what to expect or what to listen for. Maybe we need an engineering matrix of audio parameters, weighted for personal preference. For example, some people value soundstage very high, others value it rather low. Ditto air, frequency response, etc. Then you could ascribe NUMBERS to what you're listening to.

IMHO, it can be a double edged sword. Sometimes the initial response is correct and it’s possible to over analyze as you listen and convince yourself it’s better when it’s not or just sideways. Rather than trying too hard to analyze the difference, I rely more on the emotional connection. Did I have a quicker and more intense desire to play the "air instruments" and play them like no one was watching? For classical, conducting the orchestra? Did my toe start tapping before I realized it happened?

Another vote for geoff’s last paragraph in his first post.