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Audiophiles vs DIY-o-philes

Hi folks, I've been visiting the DIYaudio forum during the last weeks or so and it appears to me that the people who are discussing matters are often very well informed about the technical issues and often have a technical background as well. but sometimes I have the impression that these wonderful people are emphasizing the technical rather than the non-technical issues, like: how a unit really sounds. The term "musicality" is not for the techies but more for the non-technical audiophiles and musicians. But what does the audio-music-o-phile wants? Isn't that to get a "musical" and emotional sound that will bring him closer to "live"? This is a prelude to a very controversial issue that I want to discuss: are the audio-techno-philes who are measuring and DIY'ing things more concerned with measurement data and circuit topologies rather than with how a unit really sounds?

Chris
dazzdax
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
here is another view:

a fool and his money soon are parted. there are fools and stupid fools. a stupid fool makes one mistake after another.

foolishness is not necessarily overpaying for audio equipment, but rather not being aware of one's preferences and therefore buying and selling and not having a clue as to the source of dissatisfaction.

the value of a component is subjective. one may consider a $2000 amp overpriced, while another may consider a $15000 amp fairly priced.

the key to remember is the value in use equals the value in exchange.
jlambrick
138 posts
 
I've tried on numerous occasions to generate some excitement in doing some DIY hotrodding, etc on this site. Personally, I haven't gotten much response. I think many (maybe most) members of Audiogon have much more disposable income than I and like the aesthetic of the finely machined, ultra-expensive components. Not implying that this is wrong, I would definitely love to be in that game but for me, the audio quality is of almost sole importance and my budget has some very rigid constraints.
dgarretson
2,599 posts
 
"the key to remember is the value in use equals the value in exchange"

I'm not sure what you mean here, but if you mean that your valuation of equipment is based on what the market will bear on resale then you are obviously not a DIYer. Modded equipment is well off the gold standard of branded commercial components.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
hi dgarretson:

i have stated a principle of economics, namely that a consumer will pay a price equal to the value he/she places on an item, or what he/she believes it is worth.

the transaction has nothing to do with the market price.
it is based upon subjective value.

for example, if a used cd player is selling for $1500 and i think it is only worth $1000, i won't buy it. the fact that someone else will buy it is irrelevant. it is possible that someone may value the cd player at or above $1500, in which case, a sale is made.

by the way, audiophile amd diy-o-phile have different connotations. such terms may imply a desire to achieve a certain level of sound quality. however, some people are more confident. less lazy and more motivated to build something, than others. some people would prefer to let someone else do the work.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the DIY crowd is a different hobby than high end, just as collecting music is. one thing that's facinating is how audiophiles would love to believe that their equipment exhibits 'emotion'...most likely lodged in our heads from seeing 'the love bug' or '2001'as kids.
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