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What do "audiophiles" use to judge equipment?

The hypothesis: "Audiophiles" are mostly techno-cats who listen with their eyes - they read reviews and look at spec sheets... END. That is my opinion and I'd like to hear from music lovers who do NOT look at the specs; who do not get their info from forums like this - where you cannot HEAR the music but you can READ about the music - well, maybe a few of you can read music, right? Are there any others who trust their own ears and go into a music store and BUY something without the psychological hand-holding of a forum or spec sheet?
cmariner1
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The sweep second hand is incredibly smooth on my Rolecks. Also it is waterproof to 300mm and is Chromometer Certified to 1 sec per minute. Says so right on the dial. Genuine Rolecks Barnacle bracelet too.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
I buy products based on my own past experiences and based on reviews. When a product is favorably reviewed by multiple reviewers, it’s a component worth considering. I also consider products from manufacturers whose “house sound” I enjoy.

I avoid products posters with hearing deficiencies own. If somebody tells me they cannot hear the difference in cables/capacitors/fuses, whatever he owns is worth avoiding.

Ditto for equipment owned by those who seem a little “off”. Those with overinflated egos and exaggerated self worths tend to promote products based solely based on the fact that they own them, no matter how flawed the sound. Worth avoiding.


femoore12's avatar
femoore12
683 posts
 
Interesting question. I’ve had this very discussion with a coworker who is primarily equipment specification driven. He favors components with better specifications and measurements over sound. His system sounds really good, but it’s not a sound quality I prefer. I’m the opposite and look at equipment specifications after I’ve listened to the equipment. My current speakers were purchased after going to my local dealer to listen to another specific make and model. I preferred the sound (and design) after he recommended the speakers to me. The sound of the music is always the first priority to me. 
Regards.
mrklas
441 posts
 
Yes, I purchased
  • Moon by Simaudio 280D DAC.  It was a significant upgrade from my Node 2i
  • Rega P8 (previously owned Dual 515CS and Rega RP 1
My ears were pleased and still are...
chorus
976 posts
 
I would look for a person with no skin in the game who has been
into stereo gear a long time and has hearing that is very good
and become friends. This guy is hard to find.

He may the guy who walks into a store and points out that the
speakers are wired out of phase.
 
I fear you may have been reading these forums too long.
My mentor told me many times- The stuff you read on line
is wrong over 50% of the time.

How are your divining skills?

Not sounding so simple? 


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