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Audiophile Priorities and Recent Topics

I'm increasingly fascinated by the number of threads that have been created lately by OP's who have joined over only the last 2 months with less than 30 posts that all seem related to the importance of wires and tweaks. While I'm not dismissing the notion that everything matters in hifi (including digital cable), it seems that these topics vastly overwhelm thread topics that clearly would have more influence to hifi audio sound such as discussions of the sonic characteristics of various amplifier topologies, the importance of simplifying the signal path, and identifying fantastic speaker/amplifier synergies, etc...

If some unsuspecting newbie were to stumble onto this forum they would likely come away thinking that a fuse or a piece of wire are the most important elements towards obtaining wonderful hifi sound. This is unfortunate. For example, my discovery of listening to a SET circuit years ago paired with speakers possessing a high and flat impedance greatly outshines any joy derived from identifying the finest digital cable produced by man. I'm simply questioning the hifi priorities that this forum seems to be obsessed with lately.

Is it just me?
128x128three_easy_payments
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments OP
2,097 posts
 
I also think there is an allure to the notion that a major improvement can be had for a relatively small cash outlay compared to amplifiers or speakers.  Something like..."While I may not be able to afford that $2,500 amp right now, I certainly could swing $150 for a fuse or $200 for a new cable...let's go that path because I've read it really matters."
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments OP
2,097 posts
 
@steakster  It's not that these topics haven't always been discussed since the beginning, it's the premise that perhaps tweaks and wires have shifted from a sometimes topic to overwhelming the joint.  If you go back just 5+ years ago you will see far more discussions relating to various amplifier design architectures and speaker pairings for example. It's the relative balance of discussion that I'm raising as a question and concern.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Rent free.
mike_in_nc
1,161 posts
 
@three_easy_payments--
>> I also think there is an allure to the notion that a major improvement can be had for a relatively small cash outlay compared to amplifiers or speakers. Something like..."While I may not be able to afford that $2,500 amp right now, I certainly could swing $150 for a fuse or $200 for a new cable...let’s go that path because I’ve read it really matters." <<

I agree that’s part of it -- the hope to find an in inexpensive "magic bullet" to get great sound. Who wouldn’t like that (if it were possible)?

It also suggests desire to be part of an inside group that defies elite knowledge to arrive at something better than the pros can figure out. This tendency is seen in various parts of life besides audio, such as gimmicks to give cars better mileage, oddball "cures" for various diseases, and such. Whatever the need, you will find an oddball shortcut.

Finally, it’s easier to sneak a new pair of wires or set of fuses into the house than a new pair of speakers. That can be important to those who hope to be spared questions -- of cost and sanity -- from life partners.
uncleang
123 posts
 
@three_easy:   I've been around a long long time, all the way back to when Lafayette ruled.
I've seen many generations of 'what is important in audio' come and go and this current 'age of wire' will eventually go too, but it has been around a long time.
Sound is subjective so sit back and enjoy.
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