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Audiophile Priorities and Recent Topics

I'm increasingly fascinated by the number of threads that have been created lately by OP's who have joined over only the last 2 months with less than 30 posts that all seem related to the importance of wires and tweaks. While I'm not dismissing the notion that everything matters in hifi (including digital cable), it seems that these topics vastly overwhelm thread topics that clearly would have more influence to hifi audio sound such as discussions of the sonic characteristics of various amplifier topologies, the importance of simplifying the signal path, and identifying fantastic speaker/amplifier synergies, etc...

If some unsuspecting newbie were to stumble onto this forum they would likely come away thinking that a fuse or a piece of wire are the most important elements towards obtaining wonderful hifi sound. This is unfortunate. For example, my discovery of listening to a SET circuit years ago paired with speakers possessing a high and flat impedance greatly outshines any joy derived from identifying the finest digital cable produced by man. I'm simply questioning the hifi priorities that this forum seems to be obsessed with lately.

Is it just me?
three_easy_payments
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments OP
2,097 posts
 
@lucky_doggg

Now, tweaks will not overcome equipment that is not to one's liking, then absolutely yes, emphasis on a tweak is the wrong direction to go, but if one is satisfied relative to other gear, then tweaks to improve performance I think is an acceptable topic.  

Totally agree with this.  It's about the balance in priorities and being realistic of what areas move the sonic needle the most.  Obviously we are all free to spend our money and set priorities as we see fit.  I'm just inquiring into where folks have seen the most joy from their priorities.

Conversely, I just read this statement by a member on another thread and just can't relate to someone who attributes 50% of their wonderful sound to cables - but hey, that's just me.  Please weigh in if you find cables provide 50%+ of your system's sound quality.

My system will still sound good to me as will my belief that the cables I purchased are easily 50% of the reason it sounds good.

barts's avatar
barts
804 posts
 
"Tweakin' at the Tweaker's Ball", with sincere apologies to Zappa.

Cables of any type do not account for 50% of your hearing.  With the caveat that you're not using 22g landline telephone as speaker wire.

Everything does make a difference...its up to you to determine where you get (or want) the difference to be at least cost effective.  

Some of these tweaks remind of a kid here in town who put big fat tires on the rear of a Corolla and little skinny tires on the front. Saw the kid in a parking lot and walked up and asked how he liked the new "stance" of his car. He replied that it is way cool and much faster than before all while grinning with his accomplishment.  He had to know it is a front wheel drive car!

"Freakin' at the Freaker's Ball"

Regards,
barts  
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,363 posts
 
It's the law of inverse proportion: the more barely perceptible the "improvement" is, the more hyperbolic the language will be to describe it.
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femoore12's avatar
femoore12
683 posts
 
I really appreciate all the feedback. Thanks. This place can be difficult to navigate for new members, but it is worth the effort. 
Cheers!
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