High End Audio......Sucking the Romance out of the Music?

Ishkabibil, I discovered the high end in 1990, when I walked into a high end salon, and my life changed dramatically after that.

I spent so much time in "high end salons" that my wife swore I was seeing another woman. I had to verify for myself, the validity of Stereophile's rating system; Class "A", B, C, etc. Yes it's valid.

After that, I went to work on my rig, but not before subscribing to every audio mag available. Next was auditioning "wire"; that was the hardest part, because no way can you audition wire and listen to music at the same time. The next 20 years were spent reading, reviewing, lying to my wife about the cost of purchases (which she accepted, but I got the feel that she knew I was lying, how do women know stuff like that?)

Since 2010 I've enjoyed nothing but pure glee every time I turn on the power. Also I might add, I have a computer "guru" who is worth his weight in gold; I'm in "high end heaven", I just need more money to reach an even higher plane.

orpheus10
I spent so much time in "high end salons" that my wife swore I was seeing another woman. I had to verify for myself, the validity of Stereophile’s rating system; Class "A", B, C, etc. Yes it’s valid.

>>>>I suspect there is probably a difference of opinion as to its validity. Not that I don’t lap up the slops with the rest of the hogs.

Geoffkait, those opinions were formed without one ounce of research.  Since "high end salons" no longer exist, research comparing Stereophiles conclusions and actually auditioning the equipment for yourself  is almost impossible. 

The foundation of "Stereophile" rests on the "validity" of those ratings. Income comes from advertising. People advertise so that they can sell equipment. Consumers all over the world check Stereophile ratings before they purchase. If consumers discovered those ratings were invalid, Stereophile would be worthless; no longer would advertisers pay big bucks. (no income for the magazine)

Don’t follow leaders, watch the parking meters.