WHY DO SOME AUDIOPHILES TRY TO TELL OTHERS WHAT THEY CAN OR CAN’T HEAR IN A SYSTEM?
I ask the question. Because I have had several discussions on Audiogon where certain posters will try to tell another person what they can or can’t hear in a system. Most of the time never hearing or having experiences either the piece of equipment, cables etc. It is usually against those that spend money on more expensive equipment and cabling. Why is this so prevalent.
There are those whose entire universe is formulated around predetermined outcomes. "I feel this way, and here are the 'facts' that make it so." This leads to subjective truths: which (sometimes forcefully) inflicted on others, can't be challenged (according to them). Yesterday, I learned something new: A colleague suggested that we adopt "un-offendability" as a superpower -- the ability to "hear" things we don't agree with, while maintaining civility. |
The true spirit of science -- a hypothetical attitude. For those interested, Stuart Firestein (Columbia biologist and neuroscientist who studies olfactory systems in animals) is great on this. https://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_firestein_the_pursuit_of_ignorance |
Perspective is everything. To some (maybe most?) here my vintage audio system would probably be considered "mediocre" at best; especially to those who wouldn't think twice about purchasing $5K cables, $10K speakers, etc. I'm sure if I offered it up for discussion and asked for critique I would receive plenty. Yet, to the average "layperson" who maybe recalls memories of a Dad or uncle who had a higher end system back in the 1960s / 1970s... my system might be looked at as phenomenally good. Very different perspectives regarding the exact same pieces of equipment and setup. I will say that I have found satisfaction with where I am now - and I think that is an undervalued position to be in. I do, however, totally understand that for some in this hobby, it's the excitement of the chase, so to speak; the endless quest for improvement - whether through actual scientifically measurable progress or just in the "this sounds better to me"... I don't feel the need to debate either methodology. If that's what floats your boat, it's all good. |
@waytoomuchstuff love your last post my brother. |
