2. misc-audio
  3. 167125-89202

How much reality do you really need?

The real question to the audiophile  is, “how much reality do you need” to enjoy your system? Does it have to be close to an exact match?  How close before your satisfied?  Pursuing that ideal seems to be the ultimate goal of the audiophile.
The element of your imagination has to come into the equation, or you’ll drive yourself mad.  You have to fill in part of the experience with your mind.
But this explains the phenomenon of “upgraditis.”
rvpiano
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,824 posts
 
I have one requirement: If it's on the recording, I want to hear it. Without exaggeration or distortion. Simple.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,042 posts
 
Bingo.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,609 posts
 
I can enjoy most any well done system where noise and distortion are under control.   The rest is icing on the cake and I like the icing!
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,569 posts
 
Depends. It is related to what the system is intended to do. A critical top end system, a music player, or juke box. For my critical listening, I want the full Monty. A system that covers the entire frequency range with perfect tonal balance and deep 3D soundstage.   
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
How much __________(fill in the blank)  do you need? Its the age old question. A Billionaire needs more $$$. A man with a gorgeous wife cheats on her with a  woman who's looks are nowhere close to looking as good as the wife. A man has a beautiful car which does 0-60 in 4 seconds and top speed of 180+ is out looking for a faster or different car. Familiarity breeds Contempt!! Its the nature of man to want more or different. Why would Hifi be any different?
More to discover