IMO snobbery is not the issue the way music playback is presented is where strong opinions cause verbal warfare. The type of music genre we gravitate towards usually dictates the desired presentation. A rock/pop/blues only guy is looking for a forward/aggressive/punchy V-curve type of sound where a more sophisticated classical/opera/jazz listener needs a more linear and transparent presentation. Snobbery in HEA is basically generated(imagined) from those NOT in the HEA game. They take offense that a palm sized Chi-Fi amp or a 40 year old speaker does not meet true current HEA standards.
Audio snobbery
I cannot emphasize this enough, I was an audio snob for most of my life, and am not sure what combinations of things transformed my perspective but I do not attribute it to my own doing. That’s important because it means that I am in no way superior to others. I didn’t pull myself up by my bootstraps. I am not then sitting in judgment but am offering an opinion for consideration. I’m not going to delve into psychology. This isn’t really about personality because we all have shortcomings there. Everyone thinks that they are right, and they are. Music is personal, musical preferences are therefore all right. So...
Shortcomings of A/B testing, and reviews. IMO listeners fall into three broad categories. You have those who enjoy background music, those who enjoy warm music, and those wanting authenticity. The problem with broad categories is that of spectrum. Some who love warm also want a soundstage while others may find that frustrating, etc, etc.
Therefore if you are dealing with A/B testing, or reviews and ignore these predilections your results are meaningless. If you don’t rate items on a multitude of traits the results are seriously lacking. Without this information if you are a critical listener you really don’t know how a reviewed item will fit in your system.I’m not here to tell you what’s best. I’m here to encourage reviewers to describe what each component does well, where it falls short, the trade-offs it makes, and—just as importantly—their own listening priorities and preferences as clearly as possible, while also helping readers understand why audio equipment so often fails to live up to the hype. Only then can readers determine whether a component truly aligns with their own priorities and expectations.
A more complete review is not one that tells you what to buy. It is one that gives readers enough meaningful information to make that decision for themselves.
No component is perfect. Every design is a series of compromises, and every listener values those compromises differently. A reviewer’s responsibility is not to declare universal winners, but to describe those compromises honestly and explain the perspective from which they are being evaluated. The more transparent reviewers are about their own listening priorities, the more valuable their reviews become—even to readers whose priorities differ from their own.
The goal is not to persuade you to share my preferences. It is to provide enough information that you can determine whether a component is likely to satisfy yours.I’m not here to tell you what’s best. I’m here to encourage reviewers to describe what each component does well, where it falls short, the trade-offs it makes, and—just as importantly—their own listening priorities and preferences as clearly as possible, while also helping readers understand why audio equipment so often fails to live up to the hype. Only then can readers determine whether a component truly aligns with their own priorities and expectations.
A more complete review is not one that tells you what to buy. It is one that gives readers enough meaningful information to make that decision for themselves.
No component is perfect. Every design is a series of compromises, and every listener values those compromises differently. A reviewer’s responsibility is not to declare universal winners, but to describe those compromises honestly and explain the perspective from which they are being evaluated. The more transparent reviewers are about their own listening priorities, the more valuable their reviews become—even to readers whose priorities differ from their own.
The goal is not to persuade you to share my musical preferences. It is to provide enough information that you can determine whether review of a component is likely to truly inform you as to your preferences.
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@dayglow says:
Followed by:
What would it be if snobbery were the issue. Then, in a final flourish of blinkered nonsense:
40 year old speakers (some of them, at least) can clobber "current HEA standard", whatever that means, $50,000 and up speakers. It is naive to believe that newer is necessarily better, and that more expensive necessarily sounds better, although that approach can certainly provide certain folks with more money than sense a path to acquire a good-sounding system.
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@stuartk +1-music on my system sounds like a recording as does music on any system I've ever heard including half a million dollar or more systems in carefully constructed showrooms. That comparison works for some, but I've never found it useful. I'm looking for a sound that reproduces the music in such a way that is enjoyable, relaxing and takes my mind off of everything else. @dayglow Its not a big deal, of course, but I'm a blues guy-my favorite genre-and an "aggressive, punchy V-curve type of sound" is not at all what I want for blues, but each to their own. |
Here ya go!!
What an “Audiophile Snob” MeansAn audiophile snob is someone who takes pride in their deep knowledge, passion, and often high-end equipment in the world of high-fidelity (HiFi) audio, but whose attitude can cross into elitism or gatekeeping. While audiophiles are people who care about how music sounds and may invest in quality gear, “snobbery” refers to the tendency to judge others harshly for not meeting their own strict standards . Key Traits of an Audiophile Snob
Why It MattersWhile passion and expertise are not inherently bad, snobbery can alienate people and shrink the hobby’s community. Many audiophiles start with modest setups and still enjoy music deeply — the act of listening is more important than the hardware . High-end gear can enhance the experience, but it’s not a requirement for genuine appreciation. The BalanceA healthy audiophile mindset values sound quality and personal enjoyment without judging others’ choices. True audiophiles can love music through a phone speaker, a vintage turntable, or a modern streaming system — the key is whether the music moves them . In short, an audiophile snob is someone who blends deep audio knowledge with an elitist attitude, often at the expense of inclusivity and shared enjoyment. |
fssutsu ROFLMAO Really? Who are you to call out someone's point of view or the way they express it. For most, this is just as impassioned a hobby or past time as anything else an individual would engage in and putting labels "snobbery" is just a reflection on you! How about applying your own rules to yourself before trying to impose them? I have no tight to an opinion, but boy you sure do. Lol Your a real hoot, bless your heart. Thanks for the entertainment pot. |
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