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?
128x128three_easy_payments
mitch2
3,717 posts
 

Relevant internet definitions I found for “tweak” are mostly along the lines of,

“improve (a mechanism or system) by making fine adjustments to it”

and

“to adjust slightly; to fine-tune”

In the audio world, these definitions align with my belief that tweaks are the final efforts one makes to optimize the sound of a system. They may be system dependent (i.e., some tweaks may work best with specific gear) or they may be universal in that certain tweaks may improve the sound of most or all systems. For example, many here have amp stands or isolation platforms that have survived multiple changes of the equipment supported on them, and they continue to improve the sound of the owner's system. 


To the OP’s question, IMO, for a given room, the selected components and speakers determine the basic sound of a system while tweaks can be implemented to remove minor deficiencies and/or to enhance the sonic qualities already being delivered by the existing system components. I believe cables may have a bit more influence than most other tweaks, but I certainly do not believe the impact of a cable on system sonics is anywhere near that of a component or speaker.  IME, tweaks and cables are to a system what the sweeper is to the curler…..the sweeper can help but the stone still needs to be travelling in the right general direction at the right speed.

 

I believe the polarization seen in these threads mostly results from the vast chasm between the magnitude of changes/improvements being reported by some as a result of adding a tweak compared to the insistence by others that a certain tweak (or cable) can’t possibly affect the sound of a system. It isn’t that people don’t hear changes between components, speakers, cables, or tweaks because most here report that they do.   It’s the magnitude of the difference between the two sides of the argument coupled with the increasingly higher prices being charged for this stuff that apparently neither side can live with. Although I have an opinion, I try to listen and judge for myself, vote with my own wallet, and let others do the same.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
every day is the second coming…..

reminds me of a song

Jesus save me from your followers

or

Forgive them, they know not how they exaggerate so…..
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments OP
2,097 posts
 
@mitch2   I think your characterization is spot on.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts. +1
femoore12's avatar
femoore12
683 posts
 
@three_easy_payments
 And now I’d like to hear how people feel those areas (among ALL others) fit into an audiophile’s overall prioritization.
I am happy to share my view as someone who just acquired decent components for the first time.

I don't see the items identified as tweaks as a priority at all. I find the ideas interesting (and entertaining), but outside of buying better cables (earlier post) I won't pursue the rest. For me these other items listed (isolation (except TTs), fuses, cable goop, stones, etc.) seem unnecessary. Interesting, but unnecessary. 

To me the main components (speakers, source, preamp/amp, cables/interconnects) are the priority. Everything else seems a pursuit in diminishing returns. Maybe if I thought my system components were perfect (to me an unrealistic and unattainable goal) then I might chase some tweaks. However, I prefer discovering and buying new music instead of researching the latest quantum discovery. 

I am in this for the music, not the gear. 
 
Cheers!

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Cables, tweaks, goop, fuses, tar paper, water beds, trampolines, self sealing stem bolts (no idea what they are, I heard it on ST DS9) minor stuff, 5-10%.
Vibration control, 5-10%.
Gear 30-35% maybe a little higher 40%
Electrical 5-10%.
Room and room acoustics, 40-50%

Real world cost and contribution to actual complete sound systems.

Like Master M, I don’t think Vibration / harmonic, Electrical or room acoustics, as tweaks.
You’re better off in the back yard with your gear backed up to a wall than in an untreated room..
There are fundamentals to make a system, and it has nothing to do with tweaks.

It seems like it cost me a 100% on every part I learned, especially gear.

The ROOM.... THE ROOM!!!!! I’ve seen a few weird ones too.. BUT attention to the room, wonderful sound...Down to the wispy plants, here and there. I like really good horns too, So many toys so little time. :-)

Tweaks.. 5-10% including cables..
More to discover