I have stated in other threads and will once more state it in this thread, that there is too much focus on one element of why audio has an attraction.
As sound is the important end product, as a result of the math produced to manage electronic signal transfer.
Analysis of the math, which is a substantial proportion of the reviews being produced on asr and now the methodologies used by the controllers of the asr site being analytically discussed in this thread.
There is a more valuable approach which could be referred to as Holistic, but there is certainly the Chemistry of the Brain to be considered.
As difficult as it may be take on board, there are other factors at play that encourages an individual to bond/wedded to a particular sound, oor find a place where they feel most satisfied.
The Human Brain has the Amygdala at the frontal section of the Limbic System. The Amygdala is the receiver of what is present in the environment, through the Bodies Sensory Receptors creating the Bodies response to the environment.
Each individual is totally unique in their reaction to environment and the Amygdala is the first section of the Brain to process the Sensory Information, with immediate creation of a chemical signal within the Brain. It is this chemistry that is the fundamental influence on producing an individual to be unique in their reaction. It is a survival trigger and not able to be controlled prior to the chemistry being triggered.
It is claimed the info passing through the Brain forming chemistry travels at 260mph and the chemical changes in the Brain occur approx' 10K- 12k per second. Quarter of the Bodies Oxygen intake fuels this vital activity for Life and Survival.
Sound is very much part of the environment, and by being perceived in the local environment, becomes a factor in the effect had on the Amygdala, hence the individual exposed to the sound will have a reaction to it.
Sounds effect on the Amygdala, is the dictator of whether the individual will receive stimulation to remain or remove themselves from the experience they are exposed to.
No one has a influence over the initial stimulus created from the Amygdala function, even though one can rationalise, if not feeling fearful as a result of the stimulus, but discomfort is also a likely feeling created.
In many many cases an individual exposed to a screech on a Chalkboard will Cup a Hand over a ear, this is not a choice made but a reaction to a stimulus. Each Individual will not have a reaction that measures to the same time taken to react, there will be variation.
The sound from the Chalkboard and Sound produced as a result of an Audio System are no different, both are encountered in the local environment. The repelling of the sound, is not a choice but a reaction to stimulus created following the exposure of the sound to the Amygdala.
The same can be said for the acceptance and willingness to expose oneself to enduring the Sound being encountered, it s not by choice.
Beat me Up, all you like about this not so usual description, but it is with a large proportion of being accurate.
How many have bought devices to produce sound, inclusive of myself, resulting from an influence on their eyes and intellect only. To be met with repelling the devoice with the influence of being exposed to the sound produced becoming part of the experience. I have a few of these behind myself.
Was that a choice made or a reaction to the environment controlled by the Amygdala?