I think I've Just Seen Absolute Proof That Audiophiles Are Insanely Gullible


I didn’t want to crap on someone’s sales thread, so I thought i’d post my amazement here. The focus of my disbelief? The "Dalby D7-Vinyl Stabilizer," which is a damn weight that screws onto the turntable spindle to hold the record securely onto the platter. Listed retail? 4000 British Pounds! (although a mag listed it at $6,800! On sale here at AudioGullible for the bargain basement price of 2500 British Pounds, or $3600 US dollars!!! Just read a few snippets of the sales ad . . .

"The D7-Vinyl Stabiliser has a sonic character that brings music to life and the ability to elevate the entire audio frequency from the veil and mechanics inherent in prerecorded music. The gains are immediate, with sweeter high frequency extension while the mid and lower registers are beautifully controlled. The soundscape is wider, higher and deeper, allowing the music to breathe more naturally."

I’m sorry, but I’m calling total BS on this. A friggin’ weight brings "music to life," "sweeter high frequency extension," "allowing the music to breathe more naturally . ." Come on. Its a modified paperweight that screws onto the platter. One can only imagine what this guy thinks about some $20K interconnects for the turntable -- the music probably writes itself! And don’t forget the amazing improvement that a $4,000 carbon fiber mat might add . . . You probably would think you were hallucinating because the music breathed so much it was oozing out of the speakers, like on some of my more memorable nights in college in the ’70’s.

Now I have never heard this amazing gift to the audiophile community, so maybe it is the audio equivalent of the Second Coming, but really? $5,800 for this? It confirms to me that there is a certain insanity/gullibility/too much money/snake oil in this so-called "hobby," (which is a hobby to customers and ridiculous business for some manufacturers). When is enough enough? What about audiophile paint, that has amazing sonic qualities to cut down reflection and make the soundstage so wide that you feel you need a new apartment? Don’t forget the audiophile couch, that is sonically neutral but promises to position your ears to "bring music to life?" OK, I’ve made my point. No offense to the seller of the snake oil, but really . . . When is enough enough?

This concludes my rant for today. :)
moto_man
I remember buying a heavy plastic screw-on record clamp from Allied Radio, before it was bought by Radio Shack.  It cost $2, and it worked. Apparently, if Allied charged the right amount back then, they would still be in business.
"I remember buying a heavy plastic screw-on record clamp from Allied Radio, before it was bought by Radio Shack. It cost $2, and it worked. Apparently, if Allied charged the right amount back then, they would still be in business."

"It works" is not exactly what audiophiles have in mind. "It works great!" is what they have in mind. A stock fuse works. An aftermarket fuse works great! A Radio Shack cable works. An audiophile cable works great. Well, ideally. Lol A bicycle inner tube or tennis balls works. A Vibraplane works great! 

Whats really something is to read the feedback  some of these snake oil salesman have  here, and you will find people thanking them for making such fine products that work great!
Hey, Ray - hard to say for sure but I'm guessing you forgot the little smiley face. :-)

@geoffkait , "Something tells me the only ones who are hot to trot to conduct double blind tests are the ones who’ve already made their minds up, you know, the died in wool skeptics. Skeptics claim these outlandish audiophile gadgets can’t pass a double blind test but never do you see a skeptic actually conduct a double blind test. What’s up with that? Isn't that putting the cart before the goat?"

I disagree and agree.  I disagree that the only ones advocating double-blind tests are ones who've already made up their minds.  Although in this particular situation, I definitely have some preconceived notions, I would love to do a double-blind test, because the whole point is to come up with a result uncolored by expectations.  However, I agree with you that it makes no sense for a reviewer not to conduct a double-blind test. If you have access to a $5600 record clamp, there is no reason not to test it against, for example, my MMF Music Hall record clamp, unless you want to make exaggerated claims unhampered by reality.  I would willingly do such a test if  I had a Dalby.  In fact I have done double-blind tests with speaker cables, interconnects, power amps and preamps, and the results have been very interesting.  I see no reason why people would resist that kind of test and I think it should be part of every reviewer's repertoire.  I saw an interesting ad today for a $25,800 (new) preamplifier.  The ad stated "We have compared it to many that are far more expensive" and it "always wins."  First, how many preamps are "far more expensive" than $25,800, and how did they judge which one "won."  I'm not saying that the preamp isn't the best preamp since the invention of the transistor, but how about an objective study before proclaiming that it "always wins."   That is putting the cart before the goat, I think . . . :)