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Out of Control

I was looking at one of my highend mags the other day. And looking at the spec's of some speakers and find it hard to believe the outragous prices. I mean does it really get that much better at 10k, 15k, 30k and up. I've listened to speakers in the 25k range and was not impressed at all. I've been also looking at subs and some of them in the 1,500 and up catagory were paper treated, I always thought woven carbon fiber or poly was used for the top notch and whats with a class G amp in that sub when you spend 3k or better. Let's take power cords at 1k, I audioned one at home and took it a part, I can buy the same material under $100. I cannot really comment to much on amps, but some of the nicer ones above 3k have less parts, to me that means it took less time to build. Tweaks are another one I won't go into. Sometimes you just feel overwelmed. I was just wondering if anyone else gets a bit raddled about this. I know they have to make money, but lets be real. Just a bit bored today, so I thought I'd start a new thread. Don't get me wrong, I still have a few more pieces to add.......
Pete
pcc
gallaine
114 posts
 
Sonrisa, your Christmas wishes may have been directed to Pbb but I'll wish you a Merry Christmas just the same. I plan on enjoying the music of this season and I hope you do to.
craigklomparens
34 posts
 
Its out of control but do not underestimate paper cones. If paper is properly done it is still with the best in the world.
bishopwill
369 posts
 
Something tells me that if I were smart I'd stay out of this.... Nonetheless, a few very brief observations.

1. It is naive to think that people who have spent thousands of dollars on cables, for example, are going to be convinced to try DBX testing of their investment against zip cord from home depot. Should they agree to make such a test and subsequently be unable to tell the difference between the two, it would be doubly naive to think that they wouldn't discount the testing methodology.

2. It is juvenile to say, "Have you done DBX testing yourself? If not, shut up." (I've heard that said by persons on both sides of the argument.) The literature is replete with reports of carefully and thoughtfully conducted DBX tests of audio equipment. Go read them, then comment knowledgably, one way or the other.

3. Although I am, myself, an advocate of DBX evaluation, I must say that I find the tone of many objectivists (skeptics, you-fill-in) more than a little mean-spirited. They seem to feel a compulsion to be spoilers.

4. On the other hand, I wonder why so many people who say, "I know I can hear differences; I don't need to do any testing" are so reluctant to demonstrate this ability.

5. This is a hobby, not an exercise in public policy. If someone is persuaded that he can hear a significant improvement in sound if he shines a blue light on his CDs before playing them, what business is it of anyone else to put him down about it?

6. Conversely, if a knowledgable listener participates in a properly conducted DBX test of an off-the-shelf Sony amp from Best Buy versus a Mark Levinson at 100X times the price and can't reliably discern which is which, why should anyone decry either the testing methodology or the listener's hearing?

7. Let's be honest. Most of us would drive a Land Rover in preference to a Sportage if we could afford it, or a Maserati in preference to a Miata. Nothing to be ashamed of about that.

Let's stop goring each other's oxen and just enjoy the music.
brulee
564 posts
 
Great post Bishopwill. I Especially agree with your last sentence. Well said.
makersmark
44 posts
 
I just got thru readin' this hear thred an i got confuzed. So i got in my dodge to go to the mazzeratte store to drive one of them thar cars just to see if it was bettur. But i got lost and winded up back at the trailur. Before you new it i wus drinkin a can of schlitz and havin' fun with my sistur. But then somebody told me beer was bettur outta boddles. So i just said to hell with it and turned on my tranzistur raddeo.
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