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Are You Happy?

On another currently running post a number of people have commented that the majority of their digital music collection is unlistenable. One person said 90% falls into this category. I don't get it! Have these people purposely assembled systems to make their favorite albums sound bad? Do they sit and audition equipment while thinking to themselves "hey, this is great, I won't be able to listen any of my Rolling Stones, but wow does it sound good." Why would someone do this to themselves?

As audiophile we are all a little crazy, but these people, IMHO, have gone one step beyond. Please help me to understand what's going on?
onhwy61
twl
3,251 posts
 
I'm one of the ones with 90% "unlistenable" CDs. But let me qualify the statement. My system is not at fault beyond the fact that it reveals what was probably not meant to be revealed on typical low fi stuff it was recorded for. Imaging, soundstage, depth, proportion, etc., are not a priority in many modern recordings. Since I am sensitive to these things, it bugs me when it's all out of whack. If I am not paying close attention, or playing background music, it is ok. Of course, unrealistic recordings are bad on vinyl too, and SACD, and they bug me too.Maybe I'm nuts, but when I hear a coherent, properly miked, mixed and recorded album I really appreciate it. And my system presents it as it should be. The others are then glaringly deficient. I can't help it. Maybe I should take Valium or something.
driver's avatar
driver
750 posts
 
sit on my hands to keep from waving at everybody!
kthomas
911 posts
 
Not trying to be critical, but how do you amass 3000 CDs and find 90% of them unenjoyable? I'd think you'd stop after a few hundred.

I have about 1000 CDs. I like the vast majority, though I'd only call some of the them excellent. Still, I attribute that to the recording, not the medium. I'll admit that it's been many years since I listend to LPs, so maybe I've forgotten more than I realize and I'm sure I'd enjoy the experience, but, yes, I'm happy. -Kirk

garfish
1,840 posts
 
To repeat '61s question in another way, 'why would anyone buy 2000-3000 CDs most of whose sound/music they can't stand'? I only have 1000-1200 CDs and 90% or more sound good or better (I cull the junk, BTW). I have a lot more money in gear than music-- maybe that's needed to achieve good digital sound? But money alone won't solve digital woes-- it takes a lot of listening and looking for synergy. If analog is your "bliss" why not stay with it and enjoy? Craig
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Kirk; we were posting at the same time. Well said. Craig
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