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  3. 192556-139717

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
 

(To Artemus_5) Did I enjoy my system for the past year even with those filters fighting each other? Yes but....I was looking for an upgrade (always) feeling there was a "hole" in the sound somehow. (Lack of cohesion, maybe) Its hard to describe when you sense something is off. I realize that may be the case no matter the condition of the music. However, I do listen quite a lot. And, after a while one can perceive various nuances that if engaged repeatedly and on a daily basis begin to stand out. I guess what I'm getting at is this...if I describe every detail of my system down to the room acoustical factors, cables, components, the potential synchrony between these items, etc...could the perceptive amongst us identify potential "weak links" in this collection? Yes, it could be done. In fact. I hear samples of this threading its way through many posts here on Audiogon. A journey? Yes, indeed but I'm actually trying to go somewhere! Maybe I'm searching for a musical mirage just over that sand dune ahead.

jl35
4,025 posts
 

I regularly do the adjustments, correct my mistakes...it always helps, then I reach a point where "enough is enough" and  let it be for a while, then do some more at another time...

sls883
412 posts
 

I've had decent gear for a while, but there were always albums that didn't sound great. I would blame it on bad recordings.  This past year, I bought a new preamp, dac, and several cables. A lot of the albums that I thought were poor recordings really aren't. It was my choice of gear and cables that had been the problem. I'm sure there is still room for improvement, but I'm happy with where I'm at. 

ghdprentice
7,098 posts
 

@sls883 

+1

willywonka
260 posts
 

Sometimes I don't listen to my expensive system for a few days at a time. It's a luxury I can afford though and I've been an audiophile since I was a teen and now, I am retired in my mid 60's. I have zero regrets and in fact I am always exploring ways to improve the sound. When I do listen it brings me lots of joy at what I hear. Part of the challenge I enjoy is through tweaks and I love attending Audio shows. If I was in any debt or couldn't afford to do this, I wouldn't. I never buy upgrades of equipment from savings and always use disposable income for new purchases. To each his own, I guess.

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