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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
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
I was just chatting with a friend of mine today about some audiophile products that could easily be marketed with similar pseudoscience to what many products currently have.

Without stepping on too many toes, if Romex wire is what's in the wall why wouldn't it make sense for an audiophile manufacturer just built in some ideal connectors into the back of the component that would allow a custom run of Romex from the breaker box to the back of the component.  Why have an outlet or separate power cord at all?

I've often wondered if a product like Nordost Sort Kones truly make a difference why wouldn't a manufacturer of five figure pieces of equipment just include them with their gear as a "door prize"?  Better yet, why not just design it right into the component since money is no object in the first place.

Audiophiles often argue that tweaks are best utilized in the most discerning systems where there is sufficient fidelity to hear small differences.  I'd argue that a $400 CD player should benefit from having better supports than a $40,000 CD player because at that price those types of factors should have been part of the original design.

I think science would indicated that most of the audiophile targeted products that are advertised with pure pseudoscience are likely relying on the power of suggestion in most cases.

Do people still paint the edges of their CDs green to increase the bass?
prof
3,473 posts
 

I've been into high end audio for about 3 decades, yet I'm still able to be shocked by the price of some gear.

Case in point:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8f62g-voxativ-ac-4-full-range

Almost $25,000 for a speaker driver.

For. A. Speaker.....driver!

Those are some brass b#lls to be asking for that.  The higher hi end almost seems like an on-going dare between companies "how much can we get someone to pay for this before they tell us to take hike?"

And someone, somewhere...keeps paying.


geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
You ain’t seen nothing yet. Check out the ULTRA internal speaker wiring upgrade from Von Schweikert. Various options available.

https://www.vonschweikert.com/ultra-internal-wire-upgrade

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
mceljo
I was just chatting with a friend of mine today about some audiophile products that could easily be marketed with similar pseudoscience to what many products currently have.

>>>>>Have any examples?

Without stepping on too many toes, if Romex wire is what’s in the wall why wouldn’t it make sense for an audiophile manufacturer just built in some ideal connectors into the back of the component that would allow a custom run of Romex from the breaker box to the back of the component. Why have an outlet or separate power cord at all?

>>>>>Uh, I am pretty sure the reason is that most audiophile cables sound better than Rome’s. Case solved!

I’ve often wondered if a product like Nordost Sort Kones truly make a difference why wouldn’t a manufacturer of five figure pieces of equipment just include them with their gear as a "door prize"? Better yet, why not just design it right into the component since money is no object in the first place.

>>>>>Some manufacturers do use specialty cones, actually. Audio Aero’s CD player used those carbon Fiber cones.

Audiophiles often argue that tweaks are best utilized in the most discerning systems where there is sufficient fidelity to hear small differences. I’d argue that a $400 CD player should benefit from having better supports than a $40,000 CD player because at that price those types of factors should have been part of the original design.

>>>>>>Yes, the argument works both ways. Many tweaks are audible on inexpensive and expensive equipment/systems.

I think science would indicated that most of the audiophile targeted products that are advertised with pure pseudoscience are likely relying on the power of suggestion in most cases.

>>>>>>Which products are you referring to? Are audiophiles so weak they can be that easily hornswaggled?

Do people still paint the edges of their CDs green to increase the bass?

>>>>>Yes, they do. Works great. Thanks for asking.
mitch2
3,974 posts
 
Check out the ULTRA internal speaker wiring upgrade from Von Schweikert.
Thanks for the tip Geoff....not sure that I would spring for the wire but I sure would hire the marketing department....

"the most significant acoustical advancement in signal path technology"

"Designed by leading Aerospace engineers"

"utilizes the world’s most cutting edge signal transmission technology"

"results in the greatest signal purity and lowest distortion possible"

"the best of the best"

"deservedly holds its spot in the top 1% of all high-end audio cables"

"exclusively manufactured utilizing proprietary technics with rare and precious alloys"

"belongs in only the world’s finest audio systems"

"For music lovers seeking to achieve the highest level of resolution"

"the lowest distortion possible with present U.S. Aerospace state-of-the-art technology"

"Only select VSA models are offered with the MasterBuilt ULTRA Internal Wire Upgrade"

Quite an accomplishment!

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