The Emperor Has No Clothes!!

Confirmation bias. Of course. I was at a dealer and he was switching between 2 DAC’s. I was amazed how he was so superlative about the difference. To my ears one sounded different from the other, but both sounded terrible. A bad setup? Going to AXPONA, perhaps 3 systems seemed at all musical, but each had their quirks. Still, this isn’t PA. Yet think of another psychological principal - Scarcity. If rare or expensive it must be better. The Apple 9 dollar dongle DAC is likely just as good as any similar device but e we won’t believe that. Also. Music is practically free! Listen to more music to try and learn what you enjoy. 

Ever wonder how we see black on a white projection screen?  You could say it is confirmation bias.  The brighter the projector and the darker the room, the blacker blacks look on the screen,  The white screen has become the darkest surface in the room.  We can listen to music on an AM car radio (back in the day, the 1960s) and appreciate the song even through the static.  FM radio in the 70s sounded much better- confirmation bias?  Sure it was but powerful enough to leave AM radio in the dust.  Same with the growth of cassettes in cars and then CDs.  

Our senses are comparative.  Confirmation bias is a part of life.  Embrace it.  It’s not a bad thing.  When your system sounds better, enjoy it.  Wondering if the expense of a new gadget is worth it?  Put the old gadget back in.  If the old gadget sounds as good as the new one, great.  Save yourself some money.  But why treat people with disdain for enjoying their systems?  “Illogical”, says Mr. Spock.  Yes, I like the Original series the best.  Confirmation bias because that’s what I grew up with?  Probably.

But why treat people with disdain for enjoying their systems?

Sometimes it is truly disdain, other times it's in the eye of the beholder - i.e. people take offense when none was intended. Depends on whether it's actually an ad hominem attack or just being presented with a contrary viewpoint.  The former is below the belt, the latter should be something that can start a civil conversation.

 Yes, I like the Original series the best.  

We can definitely be friends.  There's nothing like the chemistry of the TOS crew.

@tonywinga 

Yes, by all accounts, the windows in my big rig are supposed to be hugely detrimental.  And yes, it’s a gorgeous room, so there’s no way I’m ever covering that view up.  But somehow it works really well, perhaps in part due to the upward sloping ceiling, which you can’t see in the pic.  When my local dealer at the time - a legendary figure in room setup - delivered the speakers, he was amazed at how good it sounds.  Could it sound better?  Am quite sure it could.  Check out my vintage system - there I’ve installed acoustic ceiling tiles, and it really sings.  But if you ever find yourself in Nortgern Virginia, give me a shout.  You will be treated to single malt scotch - if you indulge - and I’ll let you judge for yourself.