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
@teo_audio, no outrage here, although there is a strong desire to rant.  Yes, it is no surprise that a company that charges $1.9 million for a car no doubt charges a commensurately expensive amount for parts.  That is not really the point here.  What got and gets my goat is not the ridiculous price for a glorified paperweight, but the outlandish claims that are made to support why the glorified paperweight is going to make you think that its the Resurrection when you clamp it onto your LP.  All of the silly audiophool language that cannot be proven in any objective way, such as "the music breathes so much more" or "the music sparkles like I've never heard before" when you use the $5800 paperweight.  I have no problem with someone thinking, "hey, that is the $5800 paperweight that I have been looking for my whole life" and wants to buy it.  That's great.  I am objecting to the preposterous marketing claims of the alleged benefits of the $5800 paperweight beyond its cool looks and bragging rights.
When it comes to meat Spam is perhaps the best for damping applications. Not too soft, not too hard, supremely elastic and supple. Spam, the veritable meat. By Hormel, The audiophile’s meat of choice.
Talk about value, a bucket of steam is the epitome of value compared to a can of steam, and indispensable when serving clams or making froth on a latte
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I received a "stock" clamp with my VPI Scoutmaster, but have only used it a few times. My records are flat. Even my lp's from the 70's and 80's. I've used it, but can't hear a difference. And will someone please explain to me the benefits of cable risers.