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Listening to other audiophiles rigs will help to accelerate your journey to audio nirvana!

Our hobby can be solitary existence. It can also be an extremely social experience. 

When I got back into the hobby after a 15 year hiatus; my amp died and my wife asked me to get the stereo out of the living room, I started a FB private hifi group to mainly gain information about music releases and gear topics I wanted to learn more about. That was in 2019, also the year I joined Audiogon. 

Since then my group has led me to meet some very cool audiophiles from around the country. I’m also looking forward to meeting some in Europe who’ve I’ve gotten to know in my group. Currently I’m in NYC on the last day of my “HiFi Vuchcation 2.0” I’ve been here for eight days listening to a couple of my audiophile buddies rigs and hanging out. 

I’ve learned a lot this trip, some things I’ll employ when I get back home. I’ve also gained an appreciation of sonics as you go up the ladder, especially vinyl related. The buddy I’m staying with this week has the Acoustic Signature INVICTUS turntable with a couple 5 figure tonearms and cartridges to match. The rest of his gear is just as incredible! 

I’ve also learned a lot from the local audiophile group I created in my hometown. We have about 10 active members. We go to each others homes for listening sessions. One member just rented offic space downtown for our “clubhouse!” There are two listening rooms and a room for extra gear, albums and a Degritter machine. 

As audiophiles we buy gear but don’t always know if our gear is reaching its sonic potential in our rooms? Having access to other audiophiles listening rooms and experience can really accelerate the learning curve hopefully leading to sonic bliss!

vuch
steakster
2,184 posts
 

Many years ago, I thought I had a decent sounding system.  When I moved to another city, I discovered that a professional audio reviewer lived nearby.  I introduced myself via email.   He was very hospitable and invited me over to his place for a listen.   When I sat down in his listening chair, it was an OMG moment.  I was sitting in front of the musicians. 

Generously, he invited me over often to listen to new components and new tweaks that he was reviewing.  It was an amazing learning experience.  He was the one who introduced me to the concept of clean AC power as being the foundation of high-fidelity reproduction.   Right he was.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,466 posts
 

@steakster 

 

yes

parkergetdean
1,082 posts
 

@vuch maybe it was more my ignorance, but...

they told me to switch from an optical to a coax cable between my CD transport and DAC. The improvement was stunning. I also got turntable mats, isolation pads, turntable, speaker and sub placement advice that were all better than anything I have read.

bassbuyer's avatar
bassbuyer
893 posts
 

That’s great about the group.  My wife and I were just discussing this topic.  I’ve met some great guys buying and selling gear and connecting with audiophiles online.  One thing we have in common is the love of music and the equipment we play it on.  Another commonality I’ve found is that no one else in our families and most of our friends share the same passion for equipment.  We have to connect outside of our usual social circle.  I am starting the Boston Audio Group or BAG right now.  

sns
4,218 posts
 

I spent many years listening to far better systems than I knew how to assemble or afford. Over time, between greater knowledge and greater expenditure my systems began to compete or exceed most other systems I heard. While I did enjoy the social interaction with other audiophiles during this phase of my life I'm now completely content with listening to my system exclusively. No longer any utility in listening to other systems and my social interaction comes from other activities. I do still enjoy conversing about audiophile things through forums.

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