2. misc-audio
  3. 169354-101338

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?
three_easy_payments
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments OP
2,097 posts
 
@whart  made me reflect on a point that hits very close to home.  My entire audio journey and experience has shaped my current priorities and allows me to more deeply appreciate the gear and setups that I'm using today. 

The hallelujah moments and the sonic disasters alike.  All of the dead-end paths, Class D amps I didn't connect with, magical discoveries with triode circuits, improvements through effective room treatment, disappointments in a fuse etc....have all allowed me to more greatly enjoy and appreciate what I have today than if I had never had these experiences and simply started with what I own as of this moment.  
danager's avatar
danager
986 posts
 
femoore1228 posts I couldn’t disagree more. The way I read the OPs comment he was talking to you specifically and your feedback is what was requested. I see your insight as very important to this discussion.
lucky_doggg7
130 posts
 
Less than 30 posts...  Hmmm  :(

Tweaks...  There is no doubt that the core components are the foundation of a system.  Is there still something that is locked away in the core components that can be exposed?  I say yes.  And to what degree, I say a lot.  To start with an analogy, for a long time, I autocrossed on a 1+ mile challenging loop in a M3 in the San Diego Chapter of the BMWCCA.  My stock M3 while potent, it was a bit tail happy, and after some very hard brake usage, the brake fluid boiled, and my driving was done for the day.  While the M3 at its core is a great car, I later added Bilstein coilovers, poly bushes, thicker sway bars, wider and better Michelin tires, a wicked alignment with zero toe, Brembo 6 piston 380s up front, and 330-ish 4 piston brakes in the rear along with Motul 660 brake fluid, and other mods to increase performance.  I went from mid pack in my class to actually winning 2nd and 3rd place on occasion in a higher class.  

So it begs the question, how is it possible to spice up an already hot car?  It's entirely possible.  Switching gears and re-focusing on audio now, it is just the same; after trying it years ago, Symposium Roller Blocks, Symposium Isolation Platforms, and high quality cables, I am able to extract more out of my system.  Tweaks, while they may seem like an odd topic, they do work.  Now, tweaks will not overcome equipment that is not to one's liking, then absolutely yes, emphasis on a tweak is the wrong direction to go, but if one is satisfied relative to other gear, then tweaks to improve performance I think is an acceptable topic.  
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments OP
2,097 posts
 
@lucky_doggg

Now, tweaks will not overcome equipment that is not to one's liking, then absolutely yes, emphasis on a tweak is the wrong direction to go, but if one is satisfied relative to other gear, then tweaks to improve performance I think is an acceptable topic.  

Totally agree with this.  It's about the balance in priorities and being realistic of what areas move the sonic needle the most.  Obviously we are all free to spend our money and set priorities as we see fit.  I'm just inquiring into where folks have seen the most joy from their priorities.

Conversely, I just read this statement by a member on another thread and just can't relate to someone who attributes 50% of their wonderful sound to cables - but hey, that's just me.  Please weigh in if you find cables provide 50%+ of your system's sound quality.

My system will still sound good to me as will my belief that the cables I purchased are easily 50% of the reason it sounds good.

barts's avatar
barts
780 posts
 
"Tweakin' at the Tweaker's Ball", with sincere apologies to Zappa.

Cables of any type do not account for 50% of your hearing.  With the caveat that you're not using 22g landline telephone as speaker wire.

Everything does make a difference...its up to you to determine where you get (or want) the difference to be at least cost effective.  

Some of these tweaks remind of a kid here in town who put big fat tires on the rear of a Corolla and little skinny tires on the front. Saw the kid in a parking lot and walked up and asked how he liked the new "stance" of his car. He replied that it is way cool and much faster than before all while grinning with his accomplishment.  He had to know it is a front wheel drive car!

"Freakin' at the Freaker's Ball"

Regards,
barts  
More to discover