Audiophilia Syndrome

[Ralf11]

Audiophila Syndrome - first recognized in DSM 3.666 characterized by obsessive behavior related to collecting electronic devices, esp. cables, and a highly narrowed focus on a very small number of musical selections thought by Pt. to exemplify “good sound” or “high fidelity.”

 

Audiophilia Disorder is currently classified as a personality disorder characterized by a general pattern of excessive concern with orderliness of electrical cables, perfectionism, excessive attention to details such as contact cleanliness, mental and interpersonal control, and a need for control over one's listening environment, at the expense of flexibility, openness to musical forms, and efficiency.

 

Diagnoisis:  A clear diagnosis will be obtained whenever a pt. complains “It is never good enough.”  Pt. typically denies any problem or disorder, and may evince extreme limbic system flareups if moderation is suggested or esp. if anyone challenges “What their ears hear.”  Pt. typically denies any disorder; often maintains “I can spend my money any way I want, etc.”  In extreme cases, divorce and homelessness may follow.

 

Unknown pathogenesis, but is inversely correlated with actual knowledge of acoustics or electronics.  Thus is rarely found in engineers or scientists (except social “scientists”).  Incidence may be correlated with belief in other fallacious notions, such as vaccine diseases, flat-eartherism,  or scientology.

 

Extreme psychopathology esp. with respect to “Analog” or “Cableism” is associated with Munchausen syndrome

 

Audiophilia Disorder was formerly considered merely a form of Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder with a strong focus on “perfectionism,” but work by Dr. Kraft-Ebiis-Ebfield on Cluster B pts. (Histrionic/Narcissistic spectrum) led to separation of Audiophilia into a separate Disorder, tho with strong Comorbidity.

Genetics: unknown, but a significant association with various abnormalities of the Y-chromosome has been noted.

 

Treatment: Phlogiston baths may be indicated, depending on clinical experience

 

In mild cases, behavioral therapy may be indicated, such as allowing play behavior with a new turntable or digital noise reduction device.  Therapy is enhanced if the therapist or other trusted person (“reviewer”) assures Pt. that new technology is involved.

 

Treatment, more re advanced cases:  Disorder often progresses to an advanced state with age and hearing loss or tinnitus.  In such cases, pre-frontal lobotomy was formerly used, but is now dis-favored.  Judicious administration of Antipsychotics may be effective, but agranulocytosis is common.

 

 

 

Alternative Therapies: Chinese medical herbs have been used with minimal success; the best results have been obtained by exposure to strong Chinese gong noise, although consequent hearing damage may result

 

 

[Ralf11]

6 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

If we can’t make fun of ourselves, we are in trouble. 

 

Good effort Ralf. 

 

Thx - I cribbed a lot of it from info on various personality disorders.

[Ralf11]

5 hours ago, Nordkapp said:

Triggered? Just joking around bro. 

 

maybe Vikings and their progeny should have a different std. ??

[Ralf11]

audiobumbler could not be more wrong

 

you also seem to equate audiophilia with unicorns and magik

 

 

[Ralf11]

3 hours ago, audiobomber said:

I listen and tweak and listen some more. That makes me an audiophile. 

You read the spec sheet and think it tells the whole story. That makes you not an audiophile. 

 

you sound a LOT like GUTBS troll

 

I have no idea where you got the notion I think a spec. sheet tells the whole story -- maybe your unicorn whispered it into your ear?

[Ralf11]

1 hour ago, audiobomber said:

People who believe that it's all just ones and zeroes, expensive cables are foolish, competently designed equipment (amps, cd players, etc.) all sound the same, and double blind testing is the only standard, do not want to be called audiophiles, and mostly use the term pejoratively. That sentiment comes across clearly in the OP.

 

 

ok, muffy - I am not paid to teach anymore, but here is some education for you, gratis: 

 

Digital audio IS just ones and zeroes (of course, it has to be turned into analog)

 

expensive cables ARE foolish - you can get different sounds from inexpensive cables however

 

competently designed equipment (amps, .... etc.) SHOULD all sound the same - but tube gear often has a euphonic coloration (which I like)

 

double blind testing is the only standard - that fully controls for expectation bias

 

sentiment - I am not that sentimental, esp. with respect to gear

 

I am not going to be able to give you much help in getting a basic working knowledge of the modern world over the internet, but I hope you can find something useful to do with your degree in the deconstructivist basket-weaving of the Azahar tribe in mid16th century Kuwhutistan and its effect on non-polar gender dynamics.

[Ralf11]

1 hour ago, daverich4 said:

 

It's my understanding that USB determines whether it's a 1 or a 0 by changes in voltage. While I don't personally believe that I hear differences in USB cables, if that's true, it leaves open to me at least the possibility that there could be differences.

 

the real issue with USB is noise transmission & the need for galvanic isolation

[Ralf11]

1 hour ago, GUTB said:

...

Audiophiles in the neurotypical sense just means someone who values high-performance audio.

 

GUTB, what is the next upgrade you are going to do on your system?

[Ralf11]

GTB - what is your next upgrade?

[Ralf11]

Why?  Is he planning to replace his Gremlin?

[Ralf11]

some background on the above (see "Levels" section)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_car

[Ralf11]

3 hours ago, GUTB said:

Is there such a thing as an audiophile-grade car audio system? The accoustic environment of an automobile seems to suggest “no”.

 

 

this deserves a new thread:

 

 

[Ralf11]

mid-fi gear is fine

 

it's the mud-fi gear you want to avoid