"audiophiles listen to their equipment"

When evaluating my system for faults or opportunities for improvement, I listen critically, typically to well-culled tunes with ranges of frequencies. When exploring new music I want something that touches me in an emotional way. And if it strikes me in a good way it immediately goes into a playlist for further culling in or out later. And then sometimes a nice glass of bourbon and hitting random play is equally enjoyable (Calgon, take me away). Those are my 3 categories of listening depending on my mood.

The only possible argument is maybe what s correct in pitch or tone ?

some like it more neutral like a dac or speaker that may provide more focused imaging ,vs say a dac that may not be as lock on focus imaging but 

easy to listen to without having to analyze the music 🎶 it just flows ,this too is why

system synergy is so important.

My take on this ongoing separation of listening to the equipment or the music it produces...it's absolutely a ridiculous point.  Anyone who has been playin'  this game  for decades knows that they both exist.  And they should! If I change a piece of gear I am certainly listing to it analytically.  When it becomes acceptable it simply falls into the background.  The music is the deal...isn't what this pursuit is about?

Regards,

barts

I look at it this way: mediocre equipment separates one from the musical event while great equipment brings it to you. The former makes you concentrate on the equipment while the latter frees you from it. It's all a matter of perspective. 

All it takes is one or two pieces in the chain to put you in either camp, hence the desire for better equipment. The love of music should always be there.

All the best,
Nonoise

....and up to the individual to vote with their budget as to what 'mediocre equipment' may be or not....and how such can be 'elevated' and used for it's strengths, sidestepping it's weaknesses....

Sure, that does require a degree or 3 of analytical listening and some 'hack attacks' on items that in my case are beyond warranty anyway....  

The 'fun' part is when I've made it work to my satisfaction, current as that may be, subject to the next tweak to a detail....

Even if $ no object (not my option), my choices would likely still make one scratch their head and think me even more of 'the odd man out'.
I've only self to please, although any and all are welcome to visit....
Sometimes I think y'all are scared of me.

"Boo" *ironic L*

If cost was no object, you'd likely see me at AXPONA and think "...it's not as expensive as 'X, Y, or Z, but they're omni's....they can't sound good...."

D amps and all....😏

At least it wouldn't require a 2nd on the house to enjoy, major wattage, and be less of a major distraction in the SAF schemes....

Ah, well...born at the right time to the wrong people.....but we all have to run what we've brung.... ;)

AXPONA might be a tad less crowded this year.....just my crystal balls swirling stuff....😎