2. misc-audio
  3. 181163-181

Hi-end audio is a big zero

This is no knock on dealers, It's just how hi-end audio is.

I go listen to some speakers. He has them set up like crap - jammed between 3 other pair. Running on electronics I would never choose so I have to try and compensate for what I imagine they are contributing to the sound. Then after 30 minutes, I am expected to shell out the $4,500.00.

I narrowed it down to two transports from an online retailer. And who knows if those 2 are even a good choice?  Told point blank, I am not allowed to buy both and return the one I don''t want. Just pick one and buy it. Shell out $1,000-$3,500 based on what?

One e-tailer will allow purchase 3 speakers totally $12K and return the two I don't want. Sorry, i have a conscience and can't do it to him.

Read all you want. Talk all you want. Listen at dealers all you want. But unless you listen in your own room, it's all meaningless. I'm talking even just 5 to 30 minutes can be all it takes. But that is basically impossible.

Sure you can buy and sell on A-gon or Ebay if you find what you want have the time to go through the process.

If the prices weren't so high or I did not care about sound quality maybe it would not matter.

cdc
grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

@jerryg123 good for you!

Perspective is key, no one in the US should feel guilty for their hard-earned wealth, just have the wisdom not to take it for granted and dismiss cheaper systems.

clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

My comment was not a dismissal of cheaper systems, nor a pretence that there are not many who cannot afford costly systems.  It was a correction of a descriptive.

sns
4,105 posts
 

I have no problem with those whose wealth is in fact hard earned, but so much of the wealth in this world attained through luck of having been born into it. Unequal opportunity is the fundamental issue.

 

When I add up the cost of my system, and all the systems I've built over nearly 30 years, it sometimes makes me think how many people may not make that much over a lifetime of work. This hobby is sheer indulgence, $4500 for an entire system is not something to be ashamed of!

 

 

dayglow
2,119 posts
 

@gents  +1 Spot on!                                                                                                

@grislybutter  -1  Never heard an "incredible" complete system for $4500.

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
463 posts
 

This is a 1st World problem.  Y'all are buying your hi-fi gear the same way you buy your luxury cars.  I suppose a sense of entitlement goes with the crazy prices being spent on this stuff.

Years ago I went into an audio salon in Berkeley to audition DACs.  After about an hour of listening there, I settled on one.  They gave me a loaner for an overnight listen to confirm what I thought I was hearing and I made my purchase the next day.  What more does anyone need?  I'm still running that same DAC today and have no intention of changing it out.

The truth is that the audible differences are not huge, but the price tags are.  Instead of dropping thousands on minor differences, get something solid and reliable, and then spend the savings on concert tickets.

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