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
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
What is this Tice Clock that people have referred to?
It was a $30 or so Radio Shack LED-based digital clock, that was allegedly subjected to some sort of "processing" that would allegedly enable it to improve the "coherence" of electrons in the AC current powering an audio system plugged in nearby. If I recall correctly, it was on the market in the 1980’s and/or 1990’s and sold for a bit under $300.

Here is an article on it written by Dr. Robert E. Greene, a long-time writer for "The Absolute Sound."

My own take on it: I suppose it’s conceivable that a digital clock could inject sufficient digital noise/garbage into the AC wiring to have perceivable sonic consequences on some systems plugged into a nearby outlet. And that some may have perceived those consequences as being "better." I wonder if anyone who may have claimed to have heard positive results from one of these things ever went to the trouble of doing a thorough and honest comparison between the effects of the Tice Clock and the effects the $30 Radio Shack version may have had under the same circumstances.

Regards,
-- Al

danvignau's avatar
danvignau
935 posts
 
That is the most expensive POS I have seen, but my all time favorite piece is a  super heavy, vinyl pressing, half speed mastered, audiophile LP of a horrible punk "Band" FOR ONLY $165.
"Originally recorded live on an iPhone."
Wow!
charleskz
16 posts
 


The solution to this question is the easiest part of putting together a musical system. Keep an open mind and try devices, tweaks, etc. with money back guarantees and YOU decide what is worth the money and what is not with only shipping costs at risk. A device that someone mocks (without even having heard it) might be just the thing that makes your stereo sing.

alpha_gt
155 posts
 
As the old saying goes, "If something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is".  I try to keep that in mind while examining tweak products. And I also have doubt if their explanation has no basis in science. Many products have dubious "owner's reviews" of their greatness, and offer no reason why it works.  Then there are things that do work, and better ones do cost more. Until suddenly the price has just gone stratospheric, in those cases I am reminded that a Timex is a very accurate time piece, but a Rolex cost 1000 times more, and doesn't keep time as well. But, it's a status symbol and is real pretty to look at. No one argues that the Rolex isn't a good clock.  Back in 1986 I bought a Monster record clamp, it was $35, I had my doubts but I bought it! And it worked! Nothing revolutionary but it did help tighten up the bass. Last year I see the exact same record clamp, I mean exactly the same, selling for $300. Has inflation gone up that much since 1986? If so I really need a cost of living increase! 
moto_man OP
363 posts
 
@geoffkait , you are not suggesting that a double-blind study, which is the gold standard of valid research, would not be appropriate to expose the charlatans, are you?  The placebo effect and the power of expectation are both powerful factors when dealing with subjective things like the way something sounds.  It would be the easiest and most reliable way to expose real nonsense like the Dalby D7 compared to my Music Hall record clamp if the listener could not know which one he was listening to.  

On a minor scale, I have seen this in action myself.  I love Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon.  There are several versions of it out, from the original "holy grail" in 1983 to the Sony Gold Mastersound, to the remaster to the 2011 remix.  One enterprising fellow posted cuts from each, identified only by A-F.  I figured that I would likely go for the brand new remix or the Holy Grail.  Nope.  Not knowing which was which, I though that the Sony Mastermind was the best.  Surprised at the results, and now knowing which letter corresponded to which clip, Guess what?  The 2011 remaster sounded the best.  Goes to show that the double-blind is the benchmark of exposing charlatan claims.  And I'm willing to bet that the overblown nonsensical claims made by the seller of the Dalby D7 will be exposed for the BS I believe them to be.
More to discover