Who R U?

If you will tolerate a post from an absolute A-gon newbie ("long time listener, first time caller"), here goes:
I'm a psychotherapist for the federal government. Took my PhD from the University of Alabama. Also bishop in an independent catholic church (i.e. not "Roman"). Fifty-six years old, long-divorced, son in the music industry. Built my first music system in my pre-teens and have been listening and tinkering ever since.

In the course of a life misspent, I've been a professional singer and symphony player, choral conductor, and music critic for a medium-market daily paper. I'm immune to snob appeal/brand consciousness and the "oh my god, it's new so I gotta have it" syndrome. I buy only when I can hear a clear and convincing improvement over what I already own. I've gone through far less equipment than many of you--I envy the time and money to do the listening, buying, and selling that many of you have done.

Trained as a scientist, I'm a strong advocate for DBX evaluation of equipment. That being said (and before the subjectivists take down my email address and start planning ways to burn down my house) I also know that many subtle differences in amps, preamps, even cables and tweaks CAN be demonstrated through objective testing. Open-mindedness is needed on both sides of this issue. Alas,it is in damned short supply.

Thanks for listening. I'm happy to be a member of this congenial and knowledgable community.

Will

Welcome aboard Bishopwill, sounds as though you have had a very vicssitudes time. But your in great company, and music is always there for ya.
~Tim

Bishopwill, it's refreshing to have someone so "up-front" about their views on the always controversial subject of subjectivity vs objectivity in high-end audio. Welcome to the Forum. Cheers. Craig.

bishopwill: so you've opened the closet door and declared yourself a crimson-tide "objectivist," no longer lurking in the shadows, ready to play a game of kick-the-can. or is it capture-the-flag?

Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!

this oughta' be fun. a priest and shrink wearin' a single cloak. and a bureaucrat in the bargain!

One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead and with its head
He went galumphing back.

welcome to the coming fray.....

--cfb (a/k/a, the "beamish boy")

Bishopwill. I do not know if I am among those who welcome you.

Your admission of being a strong supporter of double blind testing makes me apprehensive. I do not welcome those who come here to fight for DBX testing methods.

During my two years here every DBX advocate worked at shifting every discussion to their preferred testing methods. Rarely if ever posting opinions about their favorite music or the equipment necessary to make it work.

I would not be concerned except for the fact that both of your (new and only) posts you bring up the subject. I hope you prove the exception to those who have visited in the past. It would be a refreshing change.