How do you know what you're missing?

I don't think I presented the question well. I'm looking for those subtle things that happen when you change a cable or roll tubes. When doing an A/B comparison it can be fairly easy to pick out which one you like better and maybe even what about the difference you liked. When reading about A and then reading about B and then trying to compare that to what you already have things get difficult. I know it can get better, but I'd rather do more than throw money at it and hope. I want that magical ethereal quality where the music hangs there in the air, leaves your jaw slack, tears welling up in your eyes, and transfixes you as it tugs on your very soul. Maybe I'm just not affected the same way other people are. Maybe I can't ever afford a system that will do that for me. Maybe my room is so god awful I'm slogging uphill with a big bag of rocks over my shoulder. Maybe I need some mushrooms or LSD. I feel like I people are talking about 3-D IMAX and I'm flipping through a newspaper.

Is there a way to truly understand the concept of better sound without experiencing it firsthand? I've had a similar revelatory paradigm shift before, but I know there must be another level. Before spending obscene amounts of money in this pursuit I'm trying to find a road map or set a goal marker. Like I can't get from LA to NY on $14.37, but there's a big difference in cost between private jet and Amtrak. Maybe I'd be better off just settling for a post card.

Actually, I think you did present the question well.

*** How do you know what you’re missing. How do you know what is possible? ***

There will inevitably be push back to this notion, but to know what is possible or, at least, get on the right track to knowing: attend as many live performances that use little or no sound “reinforcement” in a decent acoustic space as possible. Then you’ll know what is possible. You’ll never quite get there, but at least you’ll have a better sense of what direction to go in.

@cat_doorman,
When I tried the Isoacoustic Orea footers, they came with a money back guarantee. The improvements were rather large which I didn't expect them to be.

You won't appreciate it until you hear it in the context of your own system. You'll know and appreciate it once you've heard it.

All the best,
Nonoise

cat_doorman,

I think your question is a good one and quite understandable.  I've thought every setup  I've  had was great - until I heard something better.  The key is though, you have to hear it.  Either by going to a dealer or another audio persons house, or bringing in some equipment to your place to try it out.  I prefer the latter, either through a local dealer or one that will ship equipment to you for a trial.

If you were to list your equipment here, many of the folks here could offer you an opinion on what might be changed and what that change might do for your overall sound.

I think the same thing might apply if you were to speak to one of the representatives at Audio Advisor or Music Direct.  In my experience, even though that are "salespeople", I never felt any pressure to make a purchase.

Good luck 

Get the gear you are interested in then listen to it. If you dont like it you change it, I went through 5 pre amps before I found the one that gave me the best of what I was looking for. Its a long process that takes some time. Some stores will allow a couple weeks or up to 30 days to return, you might have to pay a restock fee but thats the price you pay for being a tire kicker. I have purchased used equipment and had to resell when not happy but I learned an important lesson too, for the small amount of money lost it was worth it in my opinion.


Matt M