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
I love any thread where Al quotes himself.

almarg got all wet an OP is armed with an engineering and physics background and can see through the BS claims made, PLUS used to work for both Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.  LOL!!!
My take on the defense industry as I have dealt with LM: they are used to getting $$$ from the government, are highly inefficient, bureaucratic,... Look at their latest "achievement": F22 way over budget, way over the deadlines. Now, what is your definition of an hyperbole again?

"I have friends that are audio snobs..." this is how you think of friends? Please look up the definition of friends.

kenny928, look in a mirror once in a while helps!



I have a serious question. First of all I respect higher education although I don't have any.

If engineering expertise can be applied in a factual manner to audio, why does a company not dominate as a result?

Seriously, I often read what doesn't work. But what does? I assume electrical engineers are designing at least some of the available equipment. Is it just the nature of audio that lends itself to this differing of application and result?

I read and try to learn in these forums but it is very, very difficult to build a foundation of knowledge that isn't undermined or disputed by seemingly educated people. 

I'm happy with my system- or possibly too ignorant to know the difference. Ignorance is bliss in my case, but I am still curious as to the lack of consensus regarding scientific principles.

Thanks,

a neophyte.
"All of these approaches seem valid and tend to tell more about how the purchaser views the world than about the products themselves, IMHO."

Brilliant. 
viridian..good post..the bottom line is that if a system is not resolving enough then you will not hear much of a difference, in the sound,  when trying new cables.They certainly do,however, make a difference with each change.