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the process is more challenging than the result

it is my hypothesis that the process of "perfecting" or attempting to attain a specific "sond" from one's stereo system is more challenging and enjoyable than listening to the stereo system after a particular "result" has been acieved.

while it is enjoyable to listen to music on a stereo system, the steps taken to satisfy your sonic goals are more interesting, self-actualizing and "fun", than passively listening to music.

as has been said, one can get most of the benefits of listening to music on a table radio, that one gets from listening to music played through a well set-up stereo system.

there is no substitute for experimenting, tinkering,trial and error ,experiencing new "sounds", and hopefully,achieving the type of sound one truly desires.

such a quest, could be the reason so many used components are available for sale.

many are in this hobby because they are chasing their dream of sonic utopia, rather than strictly to listen to music.
mrtennis
mrtennis OP
3,295 posts
 
the need for achievement is a powerful motivator of human behavior.

listening is not achieving. listening is passive. achievement requires that one do something, i.e, it is an active mode.

if someone else does it for you , you haven't achieved it.

i like challenges that i can overcome. thus, responding to a challenge and achieving a result is very satisfying.

what happens after a result is achieved is less important.
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,235 posts
 
'if someone else does it for you , you haven't achieved it'

I dunno, I find I can be satisfied without doing anything.
mr_man
72 posts
 
"The process is more challenging than the result" is the title of this thread, and I would agree. I think the difference in our perspective is that you enjoy this particular challenge, whereas I don't.

listening is passive.

I agree with that also.

I don't look at it as an achievemnt, any more than eating a terrific meal in a fine restaurant.

I had no part in preparing it, but it's still delicious. If I found it more satisfying to make it myself, I would do that.

one can get most of the benefits of listening to music on a table radio, that one gets from listening to music played through a well set-up stereo system.

I agree, "most" of the benefits are present regardless of sound quality.
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
True across the board improvements are hard to find. I find components like Sugden, McIntosh, or Tannoy comforting. Same basic design for 30+ years. Just goes to show real improvements don't happen that often and are usually a sum of many smaller improvements.

Quite true but shh don't tell anyone - some of that vintage stuff sounds WAY better than the new expensive latest and greatest....Sssssh...let's try and keep it that way.
mrtennis OP
3,295 posts
 
my purpose in this thread is to suggest that a brain needs to be used. doing crossword puzzles, helping someone setup a stereo system, catching a fish, and other activities are rewarding for their own sake. if you don't use your brain why have one ?

passively listening does not generally use one's brain. trying to determine why a stereo system doesn't perform according to your expectations and then doing something about it is a mental exercise. as a human being one needs mental exercises.

letting other people do things for you that you can do yourself, robs one of a sense of accomplishment.
too much passivity leads to undesirable consequences.
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