why do so many discussions turn contentious?

I have learned a lot from this site in the past few years, much of which has enabled me to improve the sound of my system for far less $$ than swapping out boxes, which may or may not improve my sound. In decades of stereo enjoyment these improvements were never suggested by stereo retailers who view the improvements as too small or not worth their time, so I was never even aware they should be considered. I take advantage of some of them after some logical thinking and pass on others. If some people say they hear a tremendous improvement, who am I to say it doesn't exist? I don't know their environment, music tastes, etc., and mainly their hearing capacity and sensitivity. 

There is lots of humor, some good videos posted, and some thinly (or not at all-only sold direct) distributed brands worth considering discussed that do not advertise. 

I ignore the political nonsense showing the poster's tribalism - anyone who does not think for themselves on any particular issue to me is insecure in their intelligence. As Woody Allen said, I would never join a club that would have me as a member (or something like that). Personal attacks show the same insecurity so I ignore them, and topics where I have no interest. Mostly, I don't take it as life or death, just a passionate hobby that provides thousands of hours of enjoyment. Better SQ makes those hours more enjoyable.

Plus you might meet a friend or two....

@unreceivedogma

https://blog.adioma.com/how-to-argue-pg-hierarchy-of-disagreement/

and

http://www.paulgraham.com/disagree.html

Follow these simple guidelines, not much can go wrong.

thanks for this

graham’s framework gets posted here periodically and it is a terrific reminder for all of us

folks who actively participate here (and feel the need to disagree alot) would hopefully take the time to read (or re-read) the important distinctions he makes in the nature of 'how to disagree'

the fundamental framework is of course most helpful in other walks of life as well, much more important than a discussion board on hi-fi

@ Jjss49

yes, it does get posted here periodically: I’ve posted it at least a few times myself, and in spite of the reminders the Triangle doesn’t seem to get heeded. 

I wholeheartedly agree that the problems that manifest here are a mirror/microcosm (well, maybe not so micro for those owning refrigerator-sized speakers) of the ones in the world in general. Human nature extends to most of us humans, doesn't it?