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Observations on Audiogon Posts

There has been something that disturbs me about the posts I see on Audiogon. I am specifically talking about the posts that ask members to make suggestion's on equipment.

Here is the problem I have. I rarely (and I mean I can count on one hand the number of times) see people post what kind of sound they are looking for. Instead people ask if such and such a piece will sound good with these other twenty pieces in their systems. What's the problem? Well, how do we know what you are looking for? Is sound-staging the most important thing to you? For some people it is. Do you like a forward aggressive sounding presentation or do you like a more laid back sound? Is musicality the most important thing to you? Do you want a system that produces accurate timbres? Knowing what you're looking for can save you thousands on equipment that doesn't fit you're criteria. It also helps us in making suggestions.

It seems to me that if more of us spent more time on what we are trying to get from our systems then on what brands we should buy we would all be a lot happier.

Just some food for thought.
nrostov
aball
2,016 posts
 
I totally agree with the two replies above. Not everyone is as experienced as you are.

Arthur
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
Good points. I'm not letting the lazy thinkers off the hook, but I think that what many people are seeking is validation. They've largely made up their mind and are now running interference against cognitive dissonance (i.e. buyers remorse). In other words, all they need or want is someone to tell them they are making a good choice, and they're off the races.

Interestingly, the validation doesn't even need to be specific (i.e. "the Megatron Kilobuck images better than a solo pianist at Carnegie Hall."). Rather, "You won't be disappointed," or "I have this model as well and it's fantastic" are the statements the buyer has yet to hear. Of course, there's that "objectivity" (as if ANY of us on this or any other forum are actually capable of being objective about our gear. . .it's OUR GEAR!

As a salesperson and sales trainer, it's a powerful bit of psychology to know about. Now, I expect to get flamed for that statement (bring on all the "smarmy salesperson" comments). But I respectfully disagree with the general notion that sales people end up taking advantage of, and foisting product upon the unwitting public. . .that's another thread completely and I'm happy to contribute a POV.

In reality, the buyer has probably conducted significant due diligence prior to getting to the point where they are asking for validation. Assuming that's the case, they've often qualified their choice across the objective criteria (price, build quality, environmental/system suitability). Now they just need to hear that they're right via that last bit of subjective validation.

On the other hand, some people are just lazy and want others to think for them. . .enter Sales Vulture (i mean sales person)!
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
most people already know what they want, and what they need. asking for opinions, is nothing more than that. the happiness one gets in this hobby is often a moving target.
ontjesr
157 posts
 
I also agree with the first 3 posts and Kjweisner hit it on the head -- validation - or confirmation of the validity of what that person heard/saw/read/surf'd/etc. You have to also remember there are audiophiles out there who do not have access to quality gear, primarilly because of geographical inconveniences. So, keep that in mind & BTW, who cares if someone asks a question on gear -- the last I checked, posts are free of charge.
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