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Just the musings of an audiophile

I have been listening to music on my system today because I am sick with nothing else to do. I am 54yrs old. when I started acquiring my first stereo equipment over 35yrs ago I was convinced that being an audiophile was a curse. It isn't something you pursue, like being a doctor or carpenter. It seems like you either have it or you don't, from birth. Now I am sounding like a gay person, which I am not. Back to the point, It was a curse because I bought the best I could afford many years ago, but was never satisfied, I could always pick the system apart and complain about this or that. I really never enjoyed listening to the systems because of the flaws, but I love music! I could have a system that was 99.99% of the time 100% perfect, but to me it was junk. Now I am lucky enough to have a system that, to me is 100% of the time 100% perfect. I didn't think it was possible, but it is. Some of my equipment is Krell, I had to send the pre-amp back to the factory 4 times over a 2 year period before they finally discovered the factory flaw and fixed it. No longer is, being an audiophile, a curse. it is a blessing. A very expensive blessing!
johnhelenjake
johnhelenjake OP
16 posts
 
Follow up.
Felling a lot better now.
I only brought up the gay thing because I have relatives and friends who are gay, and that is how they explain their beginnings. As far a the sound thing goes, I really don't consider myself an equipment person, but a sound person. I played the trumpet for many years, so I know how music should sound. If the equipment adds, or takes away from the music, then to me it is very frustrating. I guess I am somewhat of a perfectionist also, which complicates things too.
Thanks for you comments.
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
From the Latin philus or the Greek philos, I thought an "audiophile" was someone who loved or had a strong affinity for the reproduction of sound through audio technology.

I do not see how this would require a devotion to or an acceptance of any particular school of thought, nor require association with anyone else who might consider themselves an "audiophile".

mrtennis, although often provocative, you are usually more precise in your replies.

In any case, I might suggest the condition is more of a symptom or an effect and less of a cause.

The underlying causes may include both blessings - the appreciate of music, intellectual curiosity - as well as curses - obsessive compulsive thinking, vanity, delusion and wasteful extravagence.

Cheers,

cwlondon
merlinus
44 posts
 
Having played acoustic piano since about 5-1/2 years of age (classical and now improvisational as well), I have realized that no audio system -- none!!! -- will ever sound as good as my Steinway.

So I accept the limitations, although I always am aware of and often do not like them. In the end, if the SQ is reasonable, it is the performance that counts.

For example, I just purchased a CD of Ferenc Fricsay and the BPO performing LvB's Ninth Symphony and Egmont Overture in 1959. It was the first stereo recording by DGG, and although sonically not as good as more recent ones, I have rarely been so moved and blown away by a performance.

So kick back and enjoy the music, and be grateful to be able to do so.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,172 posts
 
CWlondon,

That's the best skinny on characteristics of audiophiles I've seen in quite a while. Congrats!
chashas1
596 posts
 
i was going to challenge your "gay" comment with some verbage, then i saw your clarification, and laughed. i was going to say, also lol, that i'd rather be gay than own krell. i guess that's just my genetics...
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