A fit of Audiophilia

@retiredaudioguy 

Sometimes and often threads do depart away from topic but in doing so on the flip side we glean a bit of the person posting. The cloaking of identifies on AGon fora is to me a bit disconnecting.

This got me thinking; is audiogone more of a database platform or a community platform? To me, at its core, Audiogon feels like a hybrid. While it functions as a massive equipment database and marketplace, its heartbeat is the community. However, alas there is a recurring fracture between the site’s structure and the way people actually build relationships. Mostly this is to prevent end running Agon’s fees. Duh.

1.) Zee Value of zee “Meander” Das ist gott. Oui?

Strict site moderation keeps things organized alright, but there is a “hidden” cost to keeping threads on-track. When a conversation meanders, it moves beyond gear specs and into the personal. It’s in these "off-topic" moments—sharing a passion for a specific genre of music, a record, a life history, or something else—that we actually peer into the character of the person behind the screen. These are tangents and the building blocks of genuine connection. I can say I feel like I actually know who a few members are. To date the tally is three point one four folks and counting with a side of ice cream.

2.) The Privacy Paradox

The "cloaking" of identities on the Audiogon forums creates a sense of detachment. While pseudonymity offers privacy, it to me can feel disconnecting in a hobby that is so deeply subjective and personal. Without knowing the person, the advice can sometimes feel like it’s coming from a robotic vacuum rather than a peer.

3. My  Conclusion

If Audiogon were just a database, it would be a cold cold, transactional tool. It is the very act of "wandering off-topic" that transforms it into a community. By sharing personal tidbits and interests, members move from being anonymous buyers and sellers to being genuine enthusiasts with shared histories. Party on Garth.

At eighty one years young (pens the seventy years old tame fauvist gent..please take avuncular pity on me) I can tell by your writing your cabbage is working well and way above average. The spousal MOMA thing sheds cool upon you both.  As I kid I met Alexander Calder but was too young to realize how lucky I was. Not surprisingly I have become a life long fan.

On topic…kind of… taking a break from Jazz..Beethoven first symphony (Deutsche Grammophon) is on and it is on loud. Those welling up crescendos thrill.  Same as it ever was; taking off the top of my head.

@wsrrsw I do hope this is a community!  Where I live most music lovers do not seem to be interested in the quality of the sound.  The only serious one of whom I am aware owns a local company.  Indeed there seem to be few who have any interest in "classical" music so I find this forum to be a major resource - for sustaining my sanity.

It has always seemed to me that a good conversation ends up far away from the original topic and I hope that on this forum this is not viewed negatively.

Audiogon is a commercial enterprise, and we pay nothing for the use of this forum,  so I have no issue with selling being a breach, fees paid by sellers and advertisers allow to have this platform.

I do thank you for your post.

@retiredaudioguy Well the minty box set has arrived , been thru the Degritter and system warm after a few hours spinning records… Vespers awaits.  

Re the reference track: great balance of hall and voices - excellent dynamics. I haven’t compared it to digital versions and other than so so pressing quality, don’t feel need to. Bravo

@retiredaudioguy I sense from the interest in OCXO clock, that your investigation could extend to DIY to create the best chance for the Crystal Oscillation to be extremely consistent at 10Mhz.

A DIY Triple Oven for extreme Temperature Stability and Tungsten Cube to draw in ambient resonances is the typical options, and would most likely be a cheap way to attain Clock Performance similar to the Esoteric G-01XD.

It is this side of digital that has been luring me from the Dark Matter.

The environment the Crystal Operates in is proven to have substantial benefits to End Sound Quality.

A manufacturer will have one pay handsomely for their efforts for a crystal, where as the DIYer get massive bang for their bucks.

For myself I see my favourite RIDWB as the material to embed an OCXO clock into. 

More importantly what do I know at this stage, It's all just another theory awaiting the venture.