Changing audio beliefs

@larsman , +1.

@stuartk ,

Again, I enjoy music very much, but only when the mood strikes. It’s important, but not that important.

It’s not a constant ’must have on’, nor is it high on my priorities list. You probably have a much greater understanding than me in a classical sense as to what makes great music great. Hence, I can understand your greater appreciation. I very much appreciate the talents of great musicians and singers, and have recently been brought to near tears while listening live to a wonderful violinist.

Friends, family, solitude, health, eating well, exercise, reading in silence, nature, gardening, enjoying this beautiful country by taking trips, all are much higher priorities than playing music. 

Liquid washing vinyl was considered a harebrained foolery back in school in the 80s. Then I thought ultrasonic was utter overkill. I have now US processed my entire vinyl collection, and I think I can hear the difference.

The word "synergy" used to hold much more sway with me than it does now. 

"Are there any audio beliefs you once held to firmly that you no longer subscribe to?"

Much of what has already been said here applies to my journey as well such as, the limited importance of cables and tweaks; decoupling speakers; listening to a wider range of musical genres; aversion to marketing hype, reviews, peer pressure and overstated claims of performance; and while this hobby is enjoyable and helpful for one's well-being it is not overly important in the overall scheme of one's life where family, friends, adding value, giving back, and good health are paramount. 

One belief that has changed over time from the early days is that the vehement recommendations of internet posters often have little association with what works best and sounds best to my ears in my system.

Well, I was raised a "Linnie" back in the 80's. I was taught, and believed, a number of quasi-religious lessons: Direct Drive and Idler turntables were the Devil's tool. CDs were worse sounding than cassettes, and way, way worse sounding than vinyl. Tube amps were soft and wooly and did not serve music. Horn speakers would deafen and sterilize you with their strident drivers and silly dynamic range. You don't clean vinyl - you play the record, and then clean the stylus. God knows you don't use things like vacuums and ultrasonic doo-dads. Speakers almost don't matter - they are the least important link on the sonic chain. Getting the info off the records, and you were basically done.

And now, 45 years later, I have an idler drive turntable, tube amps and horn speakers. And, I'm happy. But I've strayed, dear lord. I've strayed...