What do you care about in this hobby?


Is it:

  1. sound quality only
  2.  cost 
  3. value
  4. measurements
  5. quality of parts
  6. overall design
  7. aesthetics
  8. service and support

All of the above for me.  How about you?
 

Thanks. 

mapman

Objective data supported by science and physics. This hobby is dying because there is no regulation in this industry, and companies can claim any kind of snake oil (read: lies) they want about their products to the ignorant masses. That's why they'll never agree to double blind listening tests without priming.

 

To me, this hobby is all about a form of minMax optimization, i.e., minimal cost and maximal performance.  Nothing less.  Nothing more.

 

 

Exactly!

I called my experience using a new concept : 

Minimal acoustical satisfaction threshold...

When you reach it you know you can upgrade for sure but it cease to be an obsession rooted in frustration...

Why ?

Because you had optimized your system/room so well you reach a level of minimal satisfaction. And minimal here means an equilibrium balance between all acoustics concepts perceived parameters (acoustical physics and psycho-acoustical one)

 

If you are obsessed by maximal acoustical satisfaction , the main reason is most of the times ignorance about how to reach the minimal level by optimization (i suppose synergy as starting point) an  ignorance which is  coupled with no available  time to learn, no room to experiment, and unlimited budget...

I was not in these case. my budget was very limited. I had the time being retired to learn in a dedicated room. And i stop being ignorant reading about acoustics concepts and some ways to experiment.

Then i reach the minimal level of satisfactuion. Trust me minimal here does not mean resignation to a better to nothing situation. It really means the necessary level to be satisfied and happy.

The maximal level refer then only to a situation with unlimited budget and knowledge how to do  the next superior acoustical heaven. 

I dont need it at all cost. 

squared80

This hobby is dying because there is no regulation in this industry ...

In the US, the industry is subject to all sorts of regulation. A manufacturer of an unsafe product can be ordered to conduct a recall, just as in any other industry. Its factory is subject to OSHA, its advertising subject to FTC rules. What sort of regulation would you like to see that doesn't already exist?

companies can claim any kind of snake oil (read: lies) they want about their products ...

Given that you stated, "Objective data supported by science and physics," perhaps you could offer some examples.

Individuals that express an interest in audio systems to replay recorded music are unique in how they like to receive an End Sound from an Audio System.

There is not a ubiquitous distortion that is an agreeable standard as a result of subjective evaluation.

The individual makes their own unique cut off point for where a acceptance of a distortion being produced is no longer an attraction to them.

Hence, systems are very very noticeably Transparent through to very very noticeably Rich in Tone.

Where does standardisation for audio devices fall into this as a design model.