2. misc-audio
  3. 149578-89202

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.



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrvpiano
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
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
nonoise:"Not that I needed a reason to eat cheese, now I have an excuse. Thanks for the link."

Hello nonoise,

     I don't mind you eating all that cheese, either.  It's all that cutting of it you're constantly doing that bothers me.

Tim
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Audiophiles oft feel a little bit sensitive about performance. It’s completely natural, everybody does it. The more you worry about it sometimes the worse it gets. 🥵
rvpiano's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rvpiano OP
2,666 posts
 
My larger point with this post (other than my friend’s opinion) is how our perception of sound can be influenced by outside factors.
 I’m sure many a system has been modified by a bug in the head of a perceived flaw that does not necessarily exist.  In other words, extraneous factors can go into the appreciation of an audio system.  
Sound is such an amorphous thing.  One day we can love our system, the next day, hate it.
 I just believe that’s one of the bugaboos of being an audiophile for a lot of people.
If that’s not you, more power to you.
More to discover