Audiophile Priorities and Recent Topics

The only issues that I feel need any kind of micro-management on this site are those of decorum and respect; something sorely lacking all too often as we all know. I’m sure that the OP’s premise is well intended, but I wouldn’t worry too much about “unsuspecting newbies”. I don’t think that there has been a thread advocating questionable “tweaks” that has not also had plenty of detractors; and very adamant ones at that. There usually are plenty of posts that present both sides of the coin on most topics. Seems to me that this, unto itself, is a great opportunity for a newbie to learn.

As far as the supposed “overwhelming” preponderance of discussions about “wire and tweaks” goes, I frankly don’t see it that way. A quick look just now at the first 20 “Topics” of discussion in the categories “Amps Preamps” shows 4 titles out of 20 that have anything remotely to do with wire or tweaks. In the topic “Speakers” only 1 title out of the first 20 has anything to do with wire or tweaks. Hardly a comprehensive analysis of the matter, but I suspect that this is indicative of the overall picture. Now, as far as posts in “Cables”, and perhaps “Misc Audio” as well goes, we would expect there to be a preponderance of discussions about cables and tweaks. No? There is plenty of solid and helpful information available here; it’s the interpersonal bs that gets in the way.

As I pointed out, I feel that the OP’s premise is well intended and I agree that there is always room for improvement in how information is shared. However, the OP admits, and please, this is not a criticism, but simply an attempt to bring a certain perspective to this issue:

**** interconnects (I can hear a difference but it’s subtle), and speaker cables (I’m very hard pressed to hear a difference in any ****

Personally, not only do I strongly disagree with that comment, but I feel that a newbie reading that could very well be swayed to not consider the very real benefits of quality cabling. However, probably the best thing of all is to have that opinion be part of the mix of opinions which will hopefully inspire the newbie to experiment and arrive at his own conclusions. All in my opinion, of course.

Btw, decorum and respect…..and thicker skin 😊

@jjss49 I'm with you on the stickies threads that should be available. As I am newer and not an engineer, some of the terms like capacitance or tube heaters require varying sources to understand and dig through and is very easy to get lost in in all the bickering and ideologies that goes on here. 

As a younger and newer hifi enthusiast, it would be be nice to have a few threads to reference and to see more discussion about how gear is to own and how it sounds or feels rather than the guys that chime in to slander gear or provide some recommendation outside of the qualifications one has asked about. 

@arafiq 

  @three_easy_payments -- is it fair to assume that your concern is not so much with the value (or lack thereof) of the suggested tweaks but the sudden onslaught of the 'presumably' newly-minted posters?

It's the onslaught of tweak-based threads that could lead to the suggestion that tweaks merit a very high (inappropriately so) audiophile priority.  It's the balance of the conversation that I sense has shifted and wanted to raise this as a point of discussion in this thread.  Whether just one person is behind the theme and is replicating names more quickly than Agent Smith in The Matrix is a totally separate topic.

@three_easy_payments


A nice thread and all too true. Get the basics right and the fun starts. To some, the fun is enjoying their music, to others its the erector set, Rube Goldberg complexity that brings them joy. I think we all agree, its all good.

My problem with some on Audiogon today is the incessant need to gather disciples who can be brow beaten into submission to follow their gospel. I quite frequently reinforce that an audio system needs to live with the occupant rather than the occupant being forced to live with the model train like clutter witnessed on occasion here. It doesn’t make me right, but our home is more comfortable.

@jetter the particular person to whom you were referring who is unwilling to support Audiogon through the sale of their gear has still yet to sell their highly tweaked item on that other site. That either speaks volumes about the person, the item or quite possibly the dangers of trying to sell DIY highly tweaked gear. Maybe even a lesson what the marketplace truly thinks of tweaks when it comes to gear.

I try to avoid those threads where unkindness rules the day but sometimes its very difficult. Always get a second or third opinion and then act on the data you most trust. For instance, if I were to ever suffer an accident and have to rely on an xray at a strip mall walk in clinic, a second opinion would likely be in order.

I have only twice made a request of the moderators, both the same.  Requests that even if I say so I think are excellent.

I asked the moderators if a separate topic category can be established entitled "Tweaks".  In this way, since they do not have their own category, the regular overflow of discourse regarding tweaks into other categories would be limited.  And for some of us with no or limited interest in fuses, stones, podiums, shumann generators, springs, cable risers, and other tweaks could easily just ignore the whole subject. 

I am not passing judgement on these at all, just they are of limited interest to me compared to other topics, but if others are interested great.

Unfortunately, my request have not been heeded.