Is Audiophiledom a confidence game?

[Michael Lavorgna]

Just now, fas42 said:

 

The "objective standard" is that the playback system does not contaminate what is on the recording to an audible degree - two system, totally different in how they they have been assembled, play a particular recording behind a concealing curtain. In an AB test, they should be close to impossible to pick apart, if both are functioning correctly.

 

Sure. That's a lovely sentiment. If you think it's anything more than a sentiment, try reconciling reality with your point of view.

[Michael Lavorgna]

Just now, fas42 said:

 

Fair enough .

 

The need for people to have others think the same as they do themselves is very strong ... otherwise, it introduces the troubling possibility that they may possibly not be totally right about everything ...

Yes. The need to be right about everything and the Internet were born on the same day ;-)

[Michael Lavorgna]

4 minutes ago, fas42 said:

 

I have.

I'm on the right course..

I've made a "thing" of modifying...

I have a very clear idea...

I'm not talking about *you*. I'm talking about people who try to extrapolate from talking about themselves, to creating rules for everyone else.

 

You are on the right course....for *you*. If you think it's anything more than that, this is where we disagree.

[Michael Lavorgna]

Just now, fas42 said:

 

So, you believe it's part of the natural order of things that systems should all sound different; that's it's inevitable for a system to colour playback to a significant, subjective degree?

 

So, you think you can deduce my beliefs about hi-fi after a couple of exchanges here? And you can do so without even considering the idea that you may not have all of the answers?

 

I'll say this - I do not understand your question ;-)

[Michael Lavorgna]

1 minute ago, fas42 said:

 

OK, I'll cut to the chase: have you ever experienced reproduction where the speakers become totally "invisible" - as in, where no matter how close your head is to the speaker on one side, you can't locate the drivers, using your ears alone?

Yes.

 

So what?

[Michael Lavorgna]

Just now, fas42 said:

 

And was that reproduction to a very high standard, in your opinion?

I thought you were going to cut to the chase.

 

I'm not in the habit of listening to music with my head next to my speakers.

[Michael Lavorgna]

Just now, Ralf11 said:

 

one of your more stoopid stmts.

 

if you ask George nicely he might explain it to you

Thanks but no thanks. You have a nice day.

[Michael Lavorgna]

1 minute ago, fas42 said:

 

The head next to the speakers test is a 'metric' for evaluating the competence of the chain. Listening to the music from the same is allowed in more "normal" positions ...

I recently reviewed BACCH 3D software. My feeling is, based on what you're saying, it would be of interest.

 

 

[Michael Lavorgna]

4 minutes ago, sandyk said:

 

 I have yet to hear even very expensive systems in recent years , where the DACs sound identical, let alone the speakers and the rest of the chain. I have been able to listen to some very expensive systems costing >Au$100K, where different DACs etc. were swapped in and out. Some of the Preamps and Power Amplifiers even cost around Au$50K.

 

Alex

Me too.

 

Different kinds of speakers sound different. People prefer all different kinds of speakers. Different speakers require different amplifiers. People live in different spaces and have different requirements for their hi-fi. And so on.

 

The idea that there's some universal "standard" is a great theory but it fails to take into account these real differences.

 

But that's really beside the point since people tend buy things they like ;-)