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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
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
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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.
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
I'll bet there are some community bands and small venues for solo players and small ensembles that you could get out and listen to. That would give you a frame of reference anyway.
erik_squires
16,407 posts
 
In all seriousness, you need to approach this like buying icecream rather than a bed.

What I mean is, there's a lot of flavors out there. There's no one perfect flavor for anyone.  All we can do is buy a system that shoots down the middle for our room, our listening habits and the music we listen to.

Having said this, nothing beats experience and finding others who hear like you do, or who at least have a point of reference you can relate to.

Above all, IGNORE prices!! It's just a matter of economics that magazines want to make us believe that the $200,000 speaker is worth $198,000 more than the $2,000 speaker.  Develop your own tastes and be true to yourself.

No reason to get the super deluxe multi-padded bicycle seat if your tush is rock hard and doesn't feel a thing. :)

Best,
E
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