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Perception

I’ve been very happy with my system lately, since I added new speakers and a new amplifier.  I felt it was totally balanced and almost anything I played on it sounded good.  Then a friend came over who had greatly admired my previous system configuration.  This friend owns decidedly mid fi audio equipment  and listens mostly on headphones.
 In short, he didn’t like my current system.
Now, I’m starting to listen to my system through HIS ears and have wondered if it was a mistake to upgrade.
I don’t know if this is a question of perception or weak-mindedness.
So much of the enjoyment of our rigs is in our head.  The system didn’t change.  My perception of it did.
 I now have to fight off his perception and get back to my own.
 I don’t think I’m a unique case. So much of what we perceive in audio is controlled by our psyches.



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mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,102 posts
 
I  know for myself and my ears only what is musicality in my audio system...After experimenting this superlative quality, after years of experiments, with a low cost audio system, and with all the relative qualities of the sound that this implied,i feel happy with my music and cannot stop listening anything...All the rest is personal preferences bias, side grade, not always for the best, or upgrade at a very high cost (for example I dreamed to buy a Berning amplifier to replace my already marvellous Sansui AU 7700). But I am happy now with what I have and nobody can influence me and saying that my system is bad...For the price my system deliver music to my ears and they are King and Queen of their Kingdom … At the end trust only your sense of pleasure with music, if all your files gives to you love waves it is because your system is near the peak of the audio mountain...
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,821 posts
 

I hang with musicians, most of whom couldn't care less about hi-fi. Evan John's system was a boom box. Lots listen to music on their computer's speakers, any disposable money they get goes to buying another instrument. Unlike hi-fi components, vintage instruments increase in value over time.

The one audiophile musician I've known (a real good drummer, he's lately been in Albert Lee's band) had stacked Quads for speakers. One thing musicians and singers recognize instantly is correct timbre, at which Quads excel.

riley804
1,224 posts
 
not trying to be disrespectful in any way.....but to the OP.....arent you at the age now where you could really care less what anybody else thinks about what you have ?

so your friend doesnt like the sound of how your system sounds .....big deal.      do you like all the things he does ?   Probably not.

enjoy what you have and stop worrying about what somebody else says or thinks.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
if in personal doubt, then something is not correct; this feeling usually leads to new changes not always to the right direction. Take your time enjoy what you have know and learn at the same time. Treat your ears and soul with live music, visit places with better systems (not necessarily more expensive) and be confident on your next possible steps. Usually a major change such as speakers and amp requires time to get used to and appreciate. Your opinion and taste is more important as is you wallet.
gdnrbob
4,449 posts
 
Richard, you heard my system and told me how well Jazz sounded, but Classical wasn't as good.
I understood ( and, agreed for the most part).

I never thought to rethink my system when you commented, as I really like what it does for me.
I would take your friend's comments with a grain of salt.
Bob
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