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How do you know what you're missing?

Without listening to better systems than your own, how do you go about targeting what to improve? How do you know what is possible? It's a case of you don't know what you don't know. I get that indistinguishable from live is the definition of high fidelity, but I don't see that as a realistic aspiration without a dedicated built to spec room and a few orders of magnitude more expensive gear.

Reading reviews or forums can't possibly educate as well as demonstration. "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture," applies to the hardware as well as the media. I've isolated myself for many years prior to current circumstances. I can't remember the last time I actually went and listened to someone else's system. For that matter it's been years since I heard live music, too. (I don't count serenading the cat at home.)

Is it a case of you'll know it when you see it? Is this not a common problem? Or do you just not know it is a problem?
cat_doorman
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,947 posts
 
@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
abnerjack
210 posts
 
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 
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,499 posts
 
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
Post removed 
erik_squires
16,407 posts
 
I've heard having friends with good systems helps.

I don't have those, so I can't help you.
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