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Do Audio Hobbyists Commonly Fail to Fully Utilize Their Systems?

This question is polite way of asking: How many of us spend big bucks to secure the best sound we can, only to misuse or under use our equipment? IF my personal experience is anything to go by (probably not typical) many times I've done something purely ignorant which resulted in an otherwise decent system failing to perform as it could if well connected? My error in my SVS sub settings is a perfect example. This morning the timbre and soundstage is unlike I've ever heard from this chair. For a year at least I had two filters fighting each other squashing my tunes! Audiogon forums are often assessed to cure perceived problems by members however, what one doesn't know CAN harm you! (your sound that is).My short list of crazy stupid isn't by any means limited to the subwoofer setting error. A short list includes wrong tubes in wrong places, modem and router WAY TOO close to amp, speakers overly toed`in, and the list goes on...Its probably impossible to believe but apparently some of us need a "systems check up"! Wishful thinking I suppose but you know there's others who have invested hundreds if not thousands only to produce B~ sound.  Check list? "FIND WEAKEST LINK HOTLINE"? Ideas?

 

allears4u
allears4u OP
145 posts
 

Way back in the Stone Age, we used to go to customers homes to test set up. Complete with DB meters and test records! We'd discover the funniest things! We are now on our own with sometimes increasingly complex systems. What possibly could go wrong? "Weakest Link Hotline" how may we help you today?

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,976 posts
 

This morning the timbre and soundstage is unlike I've ever heard from this chair. For a year at least I had two filters fighting each other squashing my tunes!

 

You went for a year without noticing? What changed this morning? maybe you listened more intently to the music?  It sounds like you expect to be perfect. So 2 filters were wrong. But you had enjoyed the music for a year before you noticed anything wrong?  My point is that you apparently enjoyed the music for a year. And isn't that what this "hobby" is about?

jond's avatar
jond
5,856 posts
 

In terms of using my system I use it every day typically 8-12 hours per day. Mishaps sure I've wired things out of phase before. I once had a pricey Edge battery powered preamp and let the power supply run down to nothing. Called Edge and they told me what a moron I was lol.

Very happy these days tubes and streaming sounds great to me.

jmalen123
164 posts
 

The limiting factor for many is music choice. When your palate of musical choice is narrow your system capability will be narrow. The internet has allowed us all to bask in the brilliance of recording engineers, music production and artistic genius never seen before. Neglect it at your own peril.

ghdprentice
7,098 posts
 

Hard to generalize. I have been a very committed since I seriously began pursuing the high end in the late 70's. I would read, and continually experiment, and listen to other systems. I met few audiophiles along the way. But those that I did were very knowledgable and committed. While there was always much I did not know. I always would work diligently during each upgrade cycle until all components were balanced and optimized to the extent of my knowledge and financial ability. Then I would enjoy if for five years or more until I got the urge again. So I'd have to say... by and large I have always got the most out of my system and the few other audiophiles I have known did as well. 

 

There were lots of other folks around. 

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