I find this entire forum to be a pit of vipers.
Such hostility and insolence is rampant in these pages and posts.
Some with good intent only fan the flames and seek to keep intact their internet fiefdom.
How do you judge audio components and speakers?
I would say - listening to music you're familiar with, and comparing. We can talk about tight/bloomy bass, midrange clarity, treble extension and things of that nature. We can also be very specific with regards to how a particular track is supposed to sound; based on high-performance gear that we were able to experience - but only if it purports to be accurate without sonic colorations. Therefore, I guess you could say we have a reference point. This part is what I would consider "objective performance."
Along with this, measurements go hand-in-hand.
On the other side of the coin - subjective performance is how we "want our systems to sound." If the vocals are too bright or sharp, if snares or unpleasant sounding instrumentals ruin an otherwise good song, it's usually because the system is too accurate. So high-end audio is about chasing an ideal that doesn't exist in reality - but in the minds of audiophiles who are seeking a very particular kind of sonic presentation that bodes well with their music library as a whole....giving you just enough detail to keep you interested, while at the same time having a sense of realism, presence, and imaging that makes the speakers dissapear. We are seeking the illusion of a live performance.
The above are just my points. Feel free to share what you think. If you think I'm wrong, I don't mind.
Cheers.
Jack
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The collective ID of most audiophiles is built from an OCD type hyper fixation combined with a need to gain control over some aspect of their lives, in this case, their audio system. It can be a release, a frustration and a friend. Knowledge is not required, only money and time.
How dare you tarnish so many of us in such a derogatory manner? You don't know who we are, or our life experiences so how can you generalise is such a fashion? In fact I'm going to ask for your post to be struck off. It has no place in a forum such as this.
Upon second thoughts...and a lowering of egocentric defenses. I think you're right, certainly true in my case. Control was a very large part of it back then but I would certainly like to think the pleasure element is more important to me today.
Oh well, it was easier than supporting my local football team...and the rewards were often greater. My apologies and thanks for spelling it out. I hope it helps others too to find the way towards maximum pleasure with the minimum of cost and psychological discomfort. |
@cd318 My comments were taken from my autobiography, “Sometimes a Stereo is Just a Stereo!” |
- 142 posts total