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what is the purpose of a stereo system ?

yes this is a philosophical question. i think it is the basis for many disagreements as to what is good sound and is a useful issue to discuss.

here are 6 categories for identifying the purpose of a stereo system:

1)as a window on the source--neutrality (truth)

2)to recreate the sound of music--musicality (beauty)

3)to statisfy one's sonic preferences--idiosyncratic

4)as a status symbol to impress other people--non sonic (psychological)

5)to create a salutary affect, such as lowering blood pressure, relaxation, stimulation etc.--non sonic (physiological)

6)as a catalyst to enhancing another activity--background

some of the disagreements as to component preferences or the sound of stereo systems may result from differing ideas as to what a stereo system should do.

a stereo system which puts one to sleep--a salutary affect may be considered poor quality when viewed as a conveyor of what's on a recording.

i hope this helps to view componets ind stereo systems ina different perspective.
mrtennis
krell_man
827 posts
 
Music has always been my calming mechanism since I'm a computer programmer with a class 'A' personality. For years I was really proud of my system, but also looked at it as a status symbol.

Now that I'm 52, I've found that my attitude's changed quietly without my really even noticing it. The system I've built now is truly a musical paradise to me. What I now care about is the pleasure I get when I sit down with it.

My pieces aren't widely known, but they are awesome and the synergy between everything is amazing.
jond's avatar
jond
5,780 posts
 
Actually Pawlowski6132 I never said that there aren't different levels of quality in sound reproduction. Obviously a Porsche and a Hyundai do the same basic thing, but do it very differently. Similarly a high end system allows you to listen to music on a different level than a boombox, but at the end of the day both systems are simply allowing you to listen to and enjoy music. As with anything there's plenty of nuance, but the basic proposition is still simple.
pawlowski6132
592 posts
 
Jond, I wasn't implying that you thought there were NOT different levels of sound. I'm saying your reduction of the two hobbies: that, "...the basic proposition is still simple." "...at the end of the day both systems are simply allowing yoj to listen to and enjoy music."

I'm saying that's wrong. Not true. At the end of the day high-end systems do MUCH MORE than let people enjoy the music (although it's true for some people). So much so that I think it's apples and oranges.
phd
1,314 posts
 
It's both, the gear and the music, you can't have one without the other. Although this website is strictly a means of buying, selling gear, & other associated items, the underlying common denominator is the love of music. Having a quality stereo system reflects both pride in ownership & having the ability to deliver a musical presentation that is satisfying & enjoyable. John Hillig himself said that coming home to a great sounding stereo system is like finding the proverbial oasis in the desert. Anyway gear is a means to the end & some of us do fall prey to the merry-go-round at times, losing sight of what is important, but eventually we all come back to our senses.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,215 posts
 
My system is a babe magnet par excellence. Ever since I cryo'd the walls, floor and all the furniture, I just can't keep up with all the propositions I get. The chicks think it's way cool!
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