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Use Your Own Ears

I've been an audiophile for 20+ years and have owned everything from Klipsch to Wilson Audio. My most recent system consisted of Densen electronics and Wilson Audio Sashas. Despite having what is considered a good set-up, something was wrong and I couldn't put my finger on it. I recently decided to get a new modest system to utilize with my television. I purchased a Peachtree Audio 220 amp and Nova preamp, NAD 565bee CD Player, and Revel F52 speakers. To my surprise and delight I enjoy the Revel system more than any other system I've owned. I've listened to many speakers over the years,Rockport, older Magico's,just to name a few and have always stayed with Wilson...until now! Despite what I've been told, there is something about the Revels that makes me just enjoy listening to music. My point is to help everyone and tell all of you to just trust your own ears. Forget price! I submit the other system does somethings better; however I enjoy music more on the modest system and now I truly understand what this hobby is all about. It's not the price we pay for equipment, but the music! How stupid have I been...for the first time I'm listening to music and not the equipment!
ricred1
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Hopefully new people to this hobby learn your lesson early in their experience, not only will they save more money to buy more media, but the joy will come earlier.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,481 posts
 
You're not stupid Ricred1, I've been "into it" for 25 years, no expert, just a learning experience.

A friend just listened to an all NAD setup with some average Totem floor standers and entry level AQ cabling, nothing fancy.

After the audition, the guy told my friend (in a nice way, still a little slap in the face) that he thought his system was more musically involving (sounded better, yes)

My friend humbly agreed and left shaking his head, called me on the phone, we agreed that not all high-end equipment is worth the asking price, only sometimes.

Since then, we talk about system matching and good music, he's changing out some equipment as I write this.

When a friend asks your opinion about their labor of love, how do you tell them politely without insulting, or ticking them off?
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 
There's no way other than to be candid when giving your opinion, when asked.
I've been told by someone I trust that my system had too much high end energy and he was right. It just took someone else's ears to set me straight. For a moment, it stung, but both of them said the same thing and recommended some fixes and before you knew it, we were on to solving the problem. In fact, it led to what I have now and I'm all the better for it.

As to Ricred1's point, I concur and wish that I could have gotten what I now have at the start of this and saved a bunch of money. But then it wouldn't have been a hobby, just a wise and rewarding purchase. :-)

We should all be so lucky.

All the best,
Nonoise
xti16
1,525 posts
 
I learned a while back when I thought I wanted the most accurate/detailed system (because I wanted to hear it if it was there). Turns out I spent more time listening to individual instruments and vocals saying wow that guitar/horn/drum etc sounds so real. With that I didn't hear the music. Only single instruments/vocals. Very sterile sounding when adding the music. No pRat. So I have to agree 100% with the title to this thread - USE YOUR EARS!! Decide if that is what I could listen to for a lifetime.
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