Hype, Hyperbole and high price!


Okay, I understand that this site has to make money by having advertisers, but cheese and crackers, the claims that are made are just laughable if not down right criminal!  Before I attended an engineering university I too was duped into buying expensive wires and such.  Now, armed with an engineering and physics background, I can see through the BS claims made.  I try and not let it get in the way of my enjoyment of good quality stereo equipment, but when a salesman tries to sell me something based on testimonials, hype and hyperbole, I tell him politely my background and then ask him a series of questions which leaves him dumbfounded. 

Such crap as directional wires - (I used to work for both Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) and trust me, if we had to test the miles of wires for directionality in every piece of equipment built...well you get the gist.

I have friends that are audio snobs and although they argue with me (Basically buyer's remorse) they know that what I say is true and end the conversation.  Oh well, I suppose I will continue to get a headache when I read said claims.

Sigh!
128x128kenny928
@kenny928 wrote:

geared 4me- You missed my point completely, I was just pointing out that the industry is flawed and unless we as consumers put an end to it it will continue.

Yes, but what you are missing is the industry is simply a reflection of the flawed economy. As more and more money is passed upstream, the rich become richer. Hence the 'need' for $100,000 amplifiers, $500,000 speakers, $10,000 cables.
It's not just the audio industry either, look at boats, cars, pets, etc. Is there really a need for a $1.8 million dollar 52 carat diamond dog collar?

http://www.incrediblethings.com/lists/14-ridiculously-expensive-pet-products/

You will not bring any sanity to the audio industry until sanity is restored to the economic system as a whole. When wallets tighten, industries will change to reflect the change.

In the meantime, I don't see how it pays to shoot the messenger (industry) if you don't like the message (economy).
Industries cater to their customer base, the customer tells the market what they want.
If you look at the audio industry in general, you will note that EVERYONE has come out with newer, MEGA expensive products, not just cables. Amp manufacturers today top of the line product is selling for 3-5 times what their top of the line product sold for 8-12 years ago. 

I don't blame the manufacturers, they are only doing what they are told to by the market.
Douglas - I agree with you partially, I do not have a disdain for those who choose a particular cable over another, I have a disdain for the marketing tactics used in this hobby.  By all means, if one wants to spend thousands of $ on cable, go for it.  I just think that some techniques used are very questionable and deceiving with no accountability. 

As for bikes, I have had my fair share of them as well, from Japanese bikes, which BTW are very reliable, to the older Harleys, which I would not want to ride due to their inherent problems and uncomfortable ride.  Harley took a turn for the worst/better with their new design after their bankruptcy, however, I can't justify buying a new one as their prices are ridiculous.  Trust me, I rag on them as well.  They too hide the problems associated with their product and basically lie to their customers.  I did not buy that road king new and the chrome is being replaced a little at a time.  As for reliability, I did make changes to the cam tensioners and other issues that plague this brand and made it a more reliable ride.  I get just as much flak from the Harley forum for pointing out the moco's issues, so I am use to it.

I appreciate you not going to the lowest common denominator like some ot the others.

Regards,

Ken
Ride safely!
Its a good topic.  How about addressing that and calling a cease fire on all personal attacks or judgements.
Wow!  This "are high end cables worth the cost" discussion is like the "tubes vs. solid state" or "analog vs. digital" discussion, really gets audiophiles on edge, with the "I know what I'm talking about, you don't know anything" edge to it.

Hey, this hobby is all about "enjoyment".  If you get more enjoyment from high-end cables, etc., good for you!
Mapman -Please change your name to "Smartman!" A voice of reason, and greatly appreciated!