I can think of one counter-example to my above screeds. The AM/FM tuner. There has to be a "best" in terms of picking up radio frequencies with most clarity, precision, and sensitivity. All measurable and I arguable, I'd imagine. Other parts of the audio chain, I don't think the same applies.
The myth of "best" in audio needs to be addressed by all of us
After spending a year and half deeply immersed in audiophilia (with so much enjoyable benefit), I've identified my tendency (seemingly share by many) to chase the fantasy of "best" in this perfectionistic hobby/pursuit. It leads to obsessiveness, second-guessing, acrimony between audio tribes, and personal insecurity when reading these forums and all the reviews.
But, thinking about it, how could there ever be a "best" component, cable, or speaker for listening to music. This is a subjective experience!!!
From a purely measurement/engineering perspective -- "best" could mean a lot of things (but they don't automatically mean more enjoyable sonics).
In listening and enjoying music, there is no "best" -- only "favorite". And even "favorite" can change -- it certainly has for me. I've gone back and forth multiple times on all sorts of gear preferences. You can like what you like, you don't have to defend it, and nobody should mess with it!
Anybody else want to fight the harmful myth of "best" in audio?
But, thinking about it, how could there ever be a "best" component, cable, or speaker for listening to music. This is a subjective experience!!!
From a purely measurement/engineering perspective -- "best" could mean a lot of things (but they don't automatically mean more enjoyable sonics).
In listening and enjoying music, there is no "best" -- only "favorite". And even "favorite" can change -- it certainly has for me. I've gone back and forth multiple times on all sorts of gear preferences. You can like what you like, you don't have to defend it, and nobody should mess with it!
Anybody else want to fight the harmful myth of "best" in audio?
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- 52 posts total
- 52 posts total