2. misc-audio
  3. 119832-2328

I think I've Just Seen Absolute Proof That Audiophiles Are Insanely Gullible

I didn’t want to crap on someone’s sales thread, so I thought i’d post my amazement here. The focus of my disbelief? The "Dalby D7-Vinyl Stabilizer," which is a damn weight that screws onto the turntable spindle to hold the record securely onto the platter. Listed retail? 4000 British Pounds! (although a mag listed it at $6,800! On sale here at AudioGullible for the bargain basement price of 2500 British Pounds, or $3600 US dollars!!! Just read a few snippets of the sales ad . . .

"The D7-Vinyl Stabiliser has a sonic character that brings music to life and the ability to elevate the entire audio frequency from the veil and mechanics inherent in prerecorded music. The gains are immediate, with sweeter high frequency extension while the mid and lower registers are beautifully controlled. The soundscape is wider, higher and deeper, allowing the music to breathe more naturally."

I’m sorry, but I’m calling total BS on this. A friggin’ weight brings "music to life," "sweeter high frequency extension," "allowing the music to breathe more naturally . ." Come on. Its a modified paperweight that screws onto the platter. One can only imagine what this guy thinks about some $20K interconnects for the turntable -- the music probably writes itself! And don’t forget the amazing improvement that a $4,000 carbon fiber mat might add . . . You probably would think you were hallucinating because the music breathed so much it was oozing out of the speakers, like on some of my more memorable nights in college in the ’70’s.

Now I have never heard this amazing gift to the audiophile community, so maybe it is the audio equivalent of the Second Coming, but really? $5,800 for this? It confirms to me that there is a certain insanity/gullibility/too much money/snake oil in this so-called "hobby," (which is a hobby to customers and ridiculous business for some manufacturers). When is enough enough? What about audiophile paint, that has amazing sonic qualities to cut down reflection and make the soundstage so wide that you feel you need a new apartment? Don’t forget the audiophile couch, that is sonically neutral but promises to position your ears to "bring music to life?" OK, I’ve made my point. No offense to the seller of the snake oil, but really . . . When is enough enough?

This concludes my rant for today. :)
moto_man
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Yes some people are gullible and some are not.  


I think most folks are gullible, not just audiophiles, it's human nature.

A simple survey....how many of you guys are married?
I rest my case. ;^)

Thanks folks, don't forget to tip your bartenders and waitresses.
I'll be here all week.
moto_man OP
365 posts
 
@czarivey ,  I live in South Beach, sometimes shop at that Epicure, and you're right about some of those prices .. .  unbelievable!

@mapman , your comments about gullibility and good value are certainly true.  What I object to are the ridiculous marketing claims made to justify outlandish prices and are targeted to the audiophile.  Like I said, if someone wants a diamond-encrusted record clamp, power to 'em. But don't claim that the diamonds resonate at a special frequency that cancels out the negative electrons emanating from the cartridge, which makes the music sound like its being played in the living room.  If we didn't gobble up those types of marketing hypes, they probably wouldn't be made.  But you can only sell snake oil with silly claims, or else no one would buy it,

I'd bet that in a true double-blind study, where the reviewer cannot see whether a regular record clamp is being used or the Dalby D7, he wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
Marketers do what marketers do and get played to do. Almost always involves a spin of some sort, never the complete story.

I agree its wrong but what’s one to do except learn to take all marketing claims with a few grains of salt.

I’ve worked in product development and worked with marketers. They are usually not as technically savvy as the engineers. If there are no real engineers involved to start with, then the result may be total nonsense that many actually believe.

Good engineers are expensive.   Its a lot easier to make a profit of nonsense sometimes.   Lower overhead and  higher profit margins.   Nobody forces anyone to buy anything (except insurance maybe).
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I remember the Tice Clock.  It worked actually.  But uber skeptics like to use it as an example of snake oil. Well, that and the Teleportation Tweak. See the irony?  
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
Whoops I mentioned "nonsense"  here comes geoffkait right on cue...
More to discover