TAS. The Absolute Sound?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, TAS, Stereophile and other uber-high-end mags and sites are nothing but audiophile porn - enticing us to drool at the (for most of us) unattainable.

I think TAS and Stereophile are a great place to start. Helped me as did AG forum. Big learning curve. I will never spend uber dollars though. For me a system of $4000 may suffice, well $12000 if i could. Enjoy.

@jbmac75

+1

The Absolute Sound, Stereophile, and HiFi+ are outstanding sources of information and comparisons. While there is some variability in neutrality, it pales in insignificance to other sources…  forums, marketing info, etc. They use accepted terminology, typically identify their components, venue, and history. They review a significant number of core contemporary components. Critical in this is very high end components that we cannot afford. It identifies the state of the art, providing a reference to what can be achieved at the cost no object level, so they (and we) can assess lessor products.

I have read these magazines more or less continuously since around 1980. The landscape is many times more difficult to assess because of the incredible proliferation and diversification of products. This is the place to start if you are serious about high end audio. Read about every product you can. Then go listen to them. Over time you will understand what they are saying and will be able (this takes a long time) to read a review and go in to audition a component and know what it will sound like.

High end audio is a very complex and ambiguous pursuit… these publications… although not perfect are outstanding guides. Never read marketing info… now that’s not going to tell you anything.

I guess i am old too, well 66. Big learning curve. I am probably more causal, like once a week but you know if busy doing stuff around the house the JBL blue tooth has made me cry a bit, grabbed my heart. Enjoy.   

@jbmac75 .  Love it. Music that is. Right on! And other superlatives...