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System psychology, or just psyched out?

After reading through these forums a bit, listening to what some people have to say about their systems and given my own experience, I have noticed something of a pattern:
People generally like their systems.

Now my question would be is this for psychological reasons, or purely objective?

What I mean is, after we buy something and own it we usually become comfortable and accepting of it which may affect our judgement of it. We become accustomed to and familiar to our systems, and regard it dearly and would not wish to part with it... We have a pride of ownership.

For example, I met a guy in the hi-fi shop who said he loved his Totem Mani-II speakers, but that when he first heard them he wasn't really overly impressed by them, they were simply the best he could afford. But now, he loves them and is completely satisfied with their sound. I know that speakers need to be broken in and played in your usual listening environment for a satisfactory audition, but I also think that other psychological factors like pride of ownership, familiarity and comfort with the product, etcetera, play a role in the level of enjoyment and opinion of the sound.

Now don't mock me here, but my RCA home theater in a box system along with my Bose Acoustic Wave music System(you know, the big stereo box) gives me great enjoyment when listening to music. Playing CD's from my cheap $40 Cyberhome DVD player, the sound has good, not great soundstaging and depth along with decent, good stereo imaging. Also the sound is pretty clear, certainly not the best earth challenging sonics, but still nice. I actually think my system costing just over 300 bucks, 1500 if you count the Bose, which I guess you must although I got it for free from my uncle, he owns a pawn shop, sounds better than the 20, 50, 80, 100 thousand dollar rigs I hear at Audio Lab, my Hi-end shop. Don't get me wrong, I know there's better sound out there, and I want to upgrade which is why I go there(Audio Lab), but I do enjoy my modest setup immensely.

So what's the deal? You think if people heard their own system blindfolded they would be so thrilled, or does the fact that they own it influence their views... and ears?

Oh well, just a thought I had about systems and speakers, what about you?
audio_obsessed_novic
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
Maybe you are just thinking about it all too much. If I didn't like it in the first place; why would I buy it?

The general thrust of what has been communicated many times both here and in other forums, is that if I like and/or are satisfied with what I have than I am that much ahead of the game. Other members opinions and brand names should not matter if I like what I have. You are getting seriously hung up on pedigree.

Audio stores are no different than any other type of stores. There may be merchandise that by comparison is more pleasing, better performing, built better, has a more impressive name, etc. It doesn't mean that these distinctions are necessarily relevant to me or are relevant from a performance point of view once I get my stuff home. For me that is the great equalizer ... how does it perform in my house?

High end bike shops come to mind. Enough people spend good cash on top of the line Shimano derailleurs and either don't know how to or simply don't change gears while riding.

For myself (and probably most out there) it is a combination of liking both the music and the equipment that plays the music. Is there pride of ownership, status appeal, etc.? Yes, but that is also true for most goods. Audio is no different. But also, certain brands do perform better and if that performance is important to me and I am willing to pay the difference; well, so be it. It's why I ride Cannondale bikes, the "hand" tuning of the frame is easier on my elbows and neck by the end of the riding season.

Regards, Rich
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
If your system sounds better than the $20-$100k systems you hear at your favorite audio shop why on earth would you upgrade? It's gonna cost you a small fortune.
shoe
204 posts
 
When I turned 20 ( Long time ago ) I bought a brand new motorcycle. I liked it but was not all that impressed with it at first. Then after a few months I found out how well it cornered, how fast it could go up any mountain and how quick it accelerated. It had four cylinders and was painted a dark, dark maroon with a thin blue accent around the gas tank, crome everywhere. Comfortable and smooth it was. I learned how to ride as if I were part of it. After buying some expensive tires for it the love affair was on.
So it's the same for quality audio. Every now and then I find a component or a recording that's much like that motorcycle, being everything you expect and more. Then I can sit in my living room and experience many of the same feelings I used to get on a warm clear day with the wind in my hair.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
You had me thinking right up to where you said you heard 20,30...up $100K systems that yours beats. :)

My brother has almost same stuff as you and he loves it, while my dad and I scoff about how it sounds in a way I admire him for being able to enjoy music without the money, effort, space, and trial and error that we have went through, but I also feel sorry for him because boy does it sound like ....well you know.
The Blindfold wont fly around here, many buy with their eyes and will never allow themselves to be taken in by anything cheap or mass market, mentally they are hung up on what they feel hi-end should be. Most times that gear doesnt compete so it rarely is an issue and Ofcourse there is pride of ownership, what would be the point of all this if we had no passion for getting the sound we want and enjoying the equipment?
I can remember much cheaper and simpler systems I had that I think I enjoyed more from time to time, maybe it was the simpler time in life, youth, pride in what you could afford but there are times I miss that old gear and the way it gave me such pleasure.
In closing I hope part of you never looses that enjoyment of music that doesnt cost an arm or a leg and that upgraditis never hits you...but you are sticking your feet in the water here, and if you like it you may just jump in head first, when that happens god help you!
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