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Am I Bad Listener?

Let me say from the outset that I love audio gear and I love the sound of mid-high end audio. But here's the thing ...

The only part of a system that I can hear a real difference in is speakers. In my system over the past few months I have tested three different amps (a 30W tube, a 150W SS integrated and a 200W SS amp plus a bi-amp configuration), a tube preamp, no preamp (direct to amp via DAC with volume control) and most recently a bunch of different speaker wires (my original Audience Maestros, a DIY Home Depot 10 gauge concoction, Anticables and two other sets of very expensive wires borrowed from a local dealer - some bi-wired & some single with jumpers). Oh, and a series of different IC's.

With the possible exception of the insertion of the tube preamp, I can't really tell much of a difference regardless of what I do. I have had similar experiences at dealers. But switching back and forth between different speakers I can hear huge differences.

I think my system sounds really good but is modest by comparison to many on A'gon - Olive Musica, Benchmark DAC, Minimax Preamp, Meridian G57 amp (sometimes switched for a Classe or Prima Luna) - so maybe that's it. In a modest system the effect of switching components or wires just won't yield huge sound changes. Or maybe I just don't hear in a very detailed manner.

I spend a fair amount of time reading posts here and people claim to have genuine sonic revelations by switching an interconnect or a tube or piece of speaker wire. I love buying the new stuff and giving it a try but I just don't seem to ever hear a sonic revelation and end up re-selling it.

Does anyone share my experience or is there something this sad, pathetic audiophile is missing?
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jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Sad and pathetic? I think you are one lucky S.O.B. !!!
I wish I 'suffered' from your 'problems'.
Just be happy with what you have and hop off the merry-go-round!

Cheers,
John
reubent
6,978 posts
 
Of course, that's a joke! I have a modest system myself. Much less expensive than yours overall, and I certainly hear differences in digital front ends (cd players, DAC/Transport, etc.) But they aren't huge revelations. It's typically more like an improvement in the perceived soundstage width/height/depth or the ability to better follow a bass line, etc. I don't necessarily hear as big a difference with amps, but my speakers are easy to drive and don't require much from the amp. I hear an even smaller difference with cables.

You might be lucky to not hear every minute change in detail. You can just stop buying stuff and enjoy listening to your system.

Enjoy,

TIC
wwshull
157 posts
 
you have the critical listneing syndrom. i get it sometimes too. i think we all do. you should just relax and listen to the music and enjoy it. everything will sound much better
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Most people can't hear differences beyond speakers and tube/transistor, if that. Don't spend any more money on tweaks for a good while. Speakers, yes, but wires no. You've got good stuff already. Relax and enjoy it. Put your energy into finding recordings that you like.

I've been into audio for about 50-years. The refinement of my listening skills has grown through a series of epiphanies. I started with a great intergrated tube amp by Scott and really clunky Jensen speakers, next came DCM Time Windows, then Bryston electronics with Celesion cab, etc. etc. I'm in the middle of my fourth major reconfiguration in 50 years. (Getting back to vinyl).

Being a serious amateur musician helped me, but I've known many successful musicians with poor listening skills. Over the last 10-years I've written equipment reviews for Just Jazz Guitar, including a relative infamous guitar cord and speaker cable shootout. Like playing basketball, practice helps a lot. It's not all about natural ability. There's lots of training involved.

Being able to hear small differences adds to my enjoyment of the hobby, but it's nowhere near the enjoyment that the music gives me. Without the music there's no point in the hobby. Don't let people prey on your insecurity. Just figure what you want to spend and stay on budget. People will often say to me something like, "I really like what I hear in your system, can you tell me what to do?" I find out their budget, make some suggestions and perhaps steer them to a trustworthy dealer.

Dave
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
you are a lucky dude! While I do not claim to have golden ears, I can tell the difference between components up to a certain level. Perhaps my ear more tin instead of gold! I view this as a blessing for my wallet! Just sit back and enjoy and whatever system makes you happy. After all, isnt that the point??
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