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Talk but not walk?

Hi Guys

This isn't meant to start a fight, but it is important to on lookers. As a qualifier, I have my own audio forum where we report on audio issues as we empirically test them. It helps us short cut on theories and developing methods of listening. We have a wide range of systems and they are all over the world adding their experiences to the mix. Some are engineers, some are artist and others are audiophiles both new and old. One question I am almost always asked while I am visiting other forums, from some of my members and also members of the forum I am visiting is, why do so many HEA hobbyist talk theory without any, or very limited, empirical testing or experience?

I have been around empirical testing labs since I was a kid, and one thing that is certain is, you can always tell if someone is talking without walking. Right now on this forum there are easily 20 threads going on where folks are talking theory and there is absolutely no doubt to any of us who have actually done the testing needed, that the guy talking has never done the actual empirical testing themselves. I've seen this happen with HEA reviewers and designers and a ton of hobbyist. My question is this, why?

You would think that this hobby would be about listening and experience, so why are there so many myths created and why, in this hobby in particular, do people claim they know something without ever experimenting or being part of a team of empirical science folks. It's not that hard to setup a real empirical testing ground, so why don't we see this happen?

I'm not asking for peoples credentials, and I'm not asking to be trolled, I'm simply asking why talk and not walk? In many ways HEA is on pause while the rest of audio innovation is moving forward. I'm also not asking you guys to defend HEA, we've all heard it been there done it. What I'm asking is a very simple question in a hobby that is suppose to be based on "doing", why fake it?

thanks, be polite

Michael Green

www.michaelgreenaudio.net


michaelgreenaudio
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio OP
1,019 posts
 

Hi Tom

You only do direct sales correct, you have no dealers right? If we went direct only we would publish the pricing on the main site as well obviously. As it is when someone inquires we fire them off pricelists.

Why, did you need to purchase something? lol

I'm pretty open to selling any way that works best. That's why they have edit programs for websites. Direct only is kind of a two edged sword. There's a part of me that wants to see the mom & pop stereo store come back. That era was wonderful for the consumer. But a store that has to compete against direct sales on the same product, that's a hard pill to shallow for me still.

I'm sorry if that bugs some, but isn't that hope in you readers as well? Wouldn't it, by some miracle, be the coolest thing if stores were able to be that local hang out again? I don't know, I think there's a time you've got to stop with the greed and negativity and get back to the fun that made this all happen. I'm thrilled to death when a new person or someone from the past gets ahold of me and wants some of my goodies. I don't pretend to be the best business person, I don't even want to be the best business person, I just enjoy the ride and love it when someone else wants to come along. I like making people deals and mostly sharing music and our lives in music together. All this other stuff to me is just egos.

Michael Green

inna
7,923 posts
 
You don't understand. Children have no access to expensive high level components, all they can have are some parts around house to build something by themselves for themselves. That's what Michael tries to do - to teach children how to do it and how to get the most out of it. Disregard the adult world, to hell with it.
I just had to write again because of those micro-brains having nothing to offer but primitive harassment.
Of course, big class A amp sounds better, everyone knows it including Michael. He also knows that Studer sounds better than any digital let alone his reference player. But that's not the point.
In addition, Michael does not listen to music or components while listening to music, he is on a quest to create a particular sound signature. When he finds it the system is complete and tuned.  That's what he is saying - find your own sound signature, I will help you.
And, listen to his Chameleon speakers if you have a chance, with real good amp and analog source. Let me just say that they sound different, yes very much like an instrument.
Try to see the best in people. In other words - don't be a.......
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio OP
1,019 posts
 

Hi Mitch2

As well there are many folks doing the opposite. I have a question for you. When you tried the small amp did you also try compatible speakers and other items, or did you just do a plug & play swap out?

I don't know about anyone else but when I do a component change so drastic as the one mentioned by Mitch I also do a system match up to at least the level I did with my original system.

One thing I have noticed with these smaller amps is they don't like complicated crossovers or many other things that we use with our past setups. That goes for wire and the whole boat. I'm seeing far more listeners going simple with better results then the other way around, by a big margin too.

If those are looking to do this experiment be sure to let your amp burn in for a few months, especially with "D" amps. You would think this little thing will break in in no time but that's not the case from what I have been hearing.

Michael Green

michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio OP
1,019 posts
 

Hi Inna

That's a good point that sometimes I assume people already know about me, so I'm glad you brought that up, thanks. Counting up the amplifiers that I own right now and have here with me is 22 amps. If you count the audio closet I have access to there are around 200 amplifiers.

I'm definitely not shy for equipment.

It's funny that kosst the other day was trying to make comments about Class A amplifiers when I was not only a dealer for Nelson, toured with his amps on the trade show road, but have also tuned up maybe 30 of his amps in systems. I've probably owned 20 or so Class A amps myself, but it's more interesting to watch some of these guys ramble on not aware there are audiogon readers who know me rolling their eyes at them.LOL

The Agon Mods have been great, the private emails from members have been great, the folks ordering have been wonderful, it's been fun talking to you and others, so I'm a happy camper. And the fact that the negative folks plan backfired is a hoot. I even took off most of the day today to spend time with Audiogon members. pretty cool

Michael Green

inna
7,923 posts
 
Michael,
I wish you well.
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