Who I am ? One who dislikes fanatics, whether audiophiles or otherwise. I also dislike disrespect and insults, but consider myself free to retaliate when attacked. I don't believe in false modesty, nor in boasting. In terms of sound I believe that at the beginning of the XXIst century solid state and digital are the way to go. Solid state produces the best sound and only mega-expensive tube amps approach the quality of the good solid state amps, which makes them pointless (some exceptional designs are excluded from this generalization, to wit: the Atmasphere, the Wolcott and a perhaps few others I have not yet heard). Also I think vinyl's drawbacks far exceed any advantages it may have over today's good digital equipment --read 24/96 DADs and certain excellent CDs. I don't care very much if by saying this I make some enemies. I would not have such persons as friends who are unable to tolerate differing views (mine or other people's). Yet I acknowledge the rights of other people to thoroughly enjoy tubes and vinyl. And the few who actually have reasoned arguments to defend their preferences I respect. On a different note, I am appalled that more time is spent by audiophiles discussing tweaks than, for instance, room interactions and acoustics or recording techniques. You cannot be an advanced audiophile unless you understand basic acoustic principles (I acknowledge I need to learn more about this topic). I listen to all types of music and I believe there is no substitution for live sound. Yet I love to hear reasonably good sound in the comfort of my home, which is why I have this hobby. Usually its either classical, including opera, or pop/rock, every now and then the Jazz masters. I own about 1,000 CDs. I am not an equipment-phile although I admire something that's well designed. I believe that audiophiles need to train their listening. In my case I don't consider my listening to be past Junior-High School (but certain others who post here I consider to be in kindergarden with aspirations of Nobel prize awards). I have had some experience playing and recording live music. I also believe that being able to describe in words what you hear is not always easy. I hate reviewers who only refer to the emotional impact (e.g. it blew me away, or it rocked). I read every issue of Stereophile and The Absolute Sound but Stereophile bores me, although it has good information. On the other hand, I find TAS delightful, which may be a paradox given my above views. I have degrees in engineering (not electrical) and finance. I have a strong interest in general science and art. My work is international, essentially as a business developer. I am in my late thirties (OK almost 40), I have a splendid family, and made more money that I ever dreamed --still not enough yet to get those SoundLabs U1s and a room worthy of them. By the way, all of my above views are subject to change, as I hope yours are.
