Article: Meet The Audiophile Style Community | Volume 1

[The Computer Audiophile]

On 3/30/2020 at 10:36 PM, sdolezalek said:

Chris: I think this is a very timely idea.  We are having to rewrite our sense of what a "community" is and for many of us, we may be closer to our Audiophile Style Community than our next door neighbors for months to come.  The one thing I'd love you to say more about is about what drives you in this hobby?  As you continuously change/improve your system what are you looking to achieve?  We know that despite its enormous success, this web site (actually more some of us, its users) also gives you headaches.  What keeps you committed to it and what makes you smile at the end of a day?

 

I have spent my last 40 years trying to find solutions to some of our global challenges, first in biotechnology, then in clean energy and most recently in how we can sustainably feed this planet and preserve our health.  I've had the opportunity to work directly with brilliant entrepreneurs and also to experience devastating failures.  It is a stressful 7x18x360 kind of a life but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  But there are times when I need to escape the pace, the noise and the excitement.  That is a big part of what my audio system is for -- the ability to transport me to another world, or even better, to the memory of a great concert experience.  The degree to which my system can do that gets a little bit better each year (even as my hearing degrades a little bit each year as well).  As I have gotten to know other members of this AS community I have discovered others whose listening tastes seem to coincide with mine and I have eagerly watched as they upgraded their systems and tested new components.  Many of them have far more time than I do and I really appreciate it when some (particularly "AustinPop") go to great lengths to explain what they have done and how they have done it. 

 

In the world we now face, having that ability to "transport" ourselves to another happier place, even for an hour at a time, is more important than ever before.  But for many of us, the cost of acquiring "state-of-the-art" components will become even further out of reach.  Therefore the ability of members of this community to build systems capable of emotionally moving us without emptying our wallets will be critical.  As will the ability to find others in this community who share our passions, not only for music but for the other "finer" things in life.  I've been amazed, in that regard for how broadly my other passions for photography, cycling, and food and wine seem to be shared by this audience.  Cheers! 

Thanks for the well thought out comment. As usual, I'm continually amazed at the caliber of contributors this community has and you're no exception. I remember talking to you at our get together in Berkeley back in the day. Such a fount of knowledge!

 

I never suspected anyone would want to know more about, "what drives you in this hobby?  As you continuously change/improve your system what are you looking to achieve?  We know that despite its enormous success, this web site (actually more some of us, its users) also gives you headaches.  What keeps you committed to it and what makes you smile at the end of a day?" I always error on the side of revealing less about myself for fear of coming off as boastful or full of myself. Anyone who knows me, know I am the absolute opposite of this and I'm an introvert who'd rather turn the focus of attention on someone or something else. I will set aside my reluctance this time because your questions and comments are so good and I know you are genuinely interested in the answers.

 

 

On 3/30/2020 at 10:36 PM, sdolezalek said:

The one thing I'd love you to say more about is about what drives you in this hobby?  As you continuously change/improve your system what are you looking to achieve?  We know that despite its enormous success, this web site (actually more some of us, its users) also gives you headaches.  What keeps you committed to it and what makes you smile at the end of a day?

 

I've had a passion for music and good sound for as long as I can remember. Music is so important to me, it's a matter of mental health. I can't imagine a life without it. In grade school I escaped to my bedroom where I'd listen from the minute I got home from school to the time I went to bed. It transported me to another place and set my imagination free. This is the foundation that pushed me into this wonderful hobby of ours. 

 

I'm continually driven by the joy music brings to my life. For the most part, this is made even better as my audio system approaches neutral. The better my system the closer I feel to the music and the better the illusion. The better the illusion the easier it is to escape into wherever the music takes me. As I make changes in my system I really shoot to remove colorations and improve transient response. That said, I also love what some colorations can do, such as tubes. I just can't live with a colored system as my main thing. 

 

I also have to competing interests of convenience and the endless HiFi journey. Sometimes I just want to sit down and click play, while at other times I want to dig into things and figure out what changes I can make to change the sound or listening process. 

 

With respect to the site and what keeps me committed, it's all about the people. Yes, I absolutely love what I do and wouldn't trade this "job" for anything, but without the great people of this community it just wouldn't be the same. As they say, the keys to the gates of heaven are also the keys to the gates of hell. The people here can drive me nuts of course, but the vast majority would give me or you the shirts off their backs. I've also met some other people in the industry that are true gems and offer great advice when I'm thinking about direction changes for the site or new features etc... For that, I'm incredibly grateful to all of you. 

 

 

 

 

 

[sdolezalek]

Chris:  Thank you for the generous reply! I very much share the passion in pursuing "the better illusion."  The one thing I wish this site could allow (but it obviously cannot) is for me to experience your illusion and vice versa.  I can still remember times that go up to 30 years back where I had the opportunity to listen to a system that someone had gotten just right and the "magic" that took place in sitting down even for a few minutes to listen.  I can imagine that takes place in your new listening room.  

 

Sadly, I almost never get that feeling at a dealers store or in a demonstration in a hotel or other public venue.  But I'm pretty sure there are at least a dozen systems among the more popular contributors here that would produce that magical illusion even if they do it in a completely different way than mine does.  Maybe when all this is over we'll find reasons to actually share some of those experiences in person.  If you do get to northern California in that better future you are always welcome to come by for a listen.

 

Be well! 

[The Computer Audiophile]

3 minutes ago, sdolezalek said:

Chris:  Thank you for the generous reply! I very much share the passion in pursuing "the better illusion."  The one thing I wish this site could allow (but it obviously cannot) is for me to experience your illusion and vice versa.  I can still remember times that go up to 30 years back where I had the opportunity to listen to a system that someone had gotten just right and the "magic" that took place in sitting down even for a few minutes to listen.  I can imagine that takes place in your new listening room.  

 

Sadly, I almost never get that feeling at a dealers store or in a demonstration in a hotel or other public venue.  But I'm pretty sure there are at least a dozen systems among the more popular contributors here that would produce that magical illusion even if they do it in a completely different way than mine does.  Maybe when all this is over we'll find reasons to actually share some of those experiences in person.  If you do get to northern California in that better future you are always welcome to come by for a listen.

 

Be well! 

I’m with you 100% on this. Spending time at a friend’s place after he just “got things right” can be unforgettable. 
 

I’d love to get back out to Northern California once we return to our new normal. Perhaps a little tour of community members’ systems. Now that would be enjoyable. 

[AudioDoctor]

1 hour ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Perhaps a little tour of community members’ systems. Now that would be enjoyable. 

 

Oh, you have no idea... 😉

[sdolezalek]

2 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I’d love to get back out to Northern California once we return to our new normal. Perhaps a little tour of community members’ systems. Now that would be enjoyable. 

 

I'll put away a few bottles for the occasion now... 😉 

[JDoyle]

Not sure about the fancy brands that are discussed here, but Tea increases your chances of developing Kidney Stones.

Try to chase it with Lemon water...

 

JD

[JoeWhip]

I always use fresh lemon juice in my tea. No milk or cream for me.

[PYP]

17 hours ago, sdolezalek said:

 The one thing I wish this site could allow (but it obviously cannot) is for me to experience your illusion and vice versa.  I can still remember times that go up to 30 years back where I had the opportunity to listen to a system that someone had gotten just right and the "magic" that took place in sitting down even for a few minutes to listen. 

 

Agree that this can be fascinating and further our appreciation for how many paths there are to audio nirvana.

 

I had the opportunity to listen to a system assembled by someone who writes for the hobby.  Not a fancy system, but well-tuned.  I found the sound very nice, but also surprisingly different from my own, and I know the writer had a similar reaction to my system when he visited me.  At that time, many years ago, he said:  This system is all about the midrange.  Now I know that he was correct, but I didn't at the time.  On the other hand, I found his system to be homogenized, and while pleasant, I couldn't live with that long term.  I imagine he has evolved his system since then too.  

 

Perhaps the best part of that mutual listening session, however, was getting exposed to new music.  He brought the CDs he knew best and I discovered some music I hadn't heard.  I think that at least we get that part of the benefit by reading reviews here at AS and elsewhere.  It is great when reviewers provide a Qobuz list, which makes it very simple for those of us who use that service.  

[PYP]

2 hours ago, JoeWhip said:

I always use fresh lemon juice in my tea. No milk or cream for me.

 

With Earl Grey tea?  Joe, say it isn't so!  😃

 

3 hours ago, JDoyle said:

Not sure about the fancy brands that are discussed here, but Tea increases your chances of developing Kidney Stones.

Try to chase it with Lemon water...

 

JD

 

But dark tea is good for your eyes (not only according to Chinese wisdom, but also western science).  

[JoeWhip]

Yep, it is so. I do love some of the sour looks when I ask for lemon slices at high tea at places the Fortnam and Mason and the Ritz. I like what I like. 

[AnotherSpin]

1 hour ago, PYP said:

But dark tea is good for your eyes (not only according to Chinese wisdom, but also western science).  

 

Bodhidharma brought Buddhism to China in the 6th century. He spent almost all his time meditating while struggling with sleep. One day, he discovered that he had fallen asleep while meditating. Being quite annoyed by this circumstance, Bodhidharma tore his eyelids off and threw them on the ground - so that his eyes were always open. The first tea bushes grew out of the torn eyelids, according to legend. Since then, monks in monasteries have used tea to prevent sleep.

[Josh Mound]

As a coffee snob, I can’t cotton to this tea stuff, but my wife would approve. 
 

A few other things I’d like to know are:

 

1) What was your first “good” DAC and which one is your all-time favorite?

 

2) What kind of hearing protection do you use at concerts?

 

3) What do you think is the all-time best audiophile system “test” album?

[The Computer Audiophile]

3 hours ago, JoshM said:

1) What was your first “good” DAC and which one is your all-time favorite?

My first good DAC was a Benchmark DAC1 USB. My first great DAC was the original Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC. 
 

The original Berkeley is probably my all time favorite because it was revolutionary for me at the time. It’s in my collection, collecting dust because I have better performing DACs now. 

 

 

3 hours ago, JoshM said:

2) What kind of hearing protection do you use at concerts?

I use my custom in ear monitors with 26 dB of passive attenuation. Currently the Alclair Electro - https://alclair.com/product/electro-electrostatic/

I just remove the cables for concerts. 
 

 

 

3 hours ago, JoshM said:

3) What do you think is the all-time best audiophile system “test” album?

 

I just can’t get into such things. Yeah some albums sound spectacular but the unemotional aspect that usually accompanies them is off putting to me. I have no problem with others being into such albums and I absolutely don’t put myself on some divisive music first pedestal.  We all like what we like. 

[Teresa]

On 4/5/2020 at 9:24 PM, JoshM said:

...3) What do you think is the all-time best audiophile system “test” album?...

 

On 4/6/2020 at 12:54 AM, The Computer Audiophile said:

 I just can’t get into such things. Yeah some albums sound spectacular but the unemotional aspect that usually accompanies them is off putting to me. I have no problem with others being into such albums and I absolutely don’t put myself on some divisive music first pedestal.  We all like what we like. 

 

Chris are you aware that the Japanese Three Blind Mice recordings you like so well are audiophile recordings?

 

Since I brought up Japanese audiophile labels have you checked out Venus Records? I have three of their SACDs, they are much too expensive for me, usually $40 or more. Amazon sometimes have a few select titles for $20 or less, I buy them then. They claim to have Hyper Magnum Sound whatever that is. Really great Jazz IMHO.

 

Here is a picture of the front cover of the one I'm listening to now: Simone Kopmajer: New Romance.

 

Since you are exploring Jazz you may actually have more audiophile recordings in your collection besides Three Blind Mice. Jazz and Classical music are the most popular forms of newly recorded audiophile recordings.

 

IMHO there are many audiophile recordings that are very emotional, just as there are many whose performances leave me cold. I find this also true of non-audiophile recordings.

[jtnt]

Good stuff. Would love to see a photo of the people behind the setups in this series, if the individuals are willing. Especially during these times of isolation, seeing other humans is comforting.

[cgiammona]

Chris

 

I am also a tea lover.  On your recommendation, I bought - Organic Nepali Golden Black from Young Mountain Tea. While certainly not the best tea that I have ever tasted, it is extremely good and I placed a second order for a larger quantity!

[Asamel]

Funny...I came to read about gear and I ended up buying tea.

[The Computer Audiophile]

4 minutes ago, Asamel said:

Funny...I came to read about gear and I ended up buying tea.

Ha! I love it.

[zerung]

On 3/31/2020 at 7:06 AM, austinpop said:

 

Wow Chris, this is a side of you I did not know.

 

I come from a tea-snob family too, but for more direct reasons. I spent the first ten years of my life in Eastern India, and actually went to a boarding school in Darjeeling. My uncle managed tea estates (or as they were called then, tea gardens) and managed several all over that region over his career, in Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and a couple of gardens in Assam. I've only visited tea gardens as a child, but the experience is wonderful. 

 

Unsurprisingly, I'm a Darjeeling snob too!

Wow. From Sikkim here. But I must say that the First Flush from Temi Tea in Sikkim is the most fragrant and lovely tea.

[Digi&Analog Fan]

I am into photography too and I like tea, even though my tastes are not so esoteric. I miss Nestea Ice Tea (mix) from the 1970s. I only do digital photography. Have never sent a pic online. Would not even know how. Each Christmas I put up a huge amazing Christmas Village. Not under any of the Christmas trees, but on an elevated platform, so that when looking at it off to your side while seated, your eyes are pretty much street level. Magic!  I get my little pocket digital camera out and take all kind of photos of my village in the dark, with as many as 50 houses/buildings lit up and blinking. I tape tissue paper over the flash  so the flash doesn't make a magical night scene into a ho hum day scene. My photography was influenced by Walter Wick, the guy behind the I Spy children's books, meant to sharpen their powers of perception. He came out with 2 different I Spy Christmas books. I collect a bunch of different things and am a very visual person, in addition to being a very audio oriented person. I listen to anything from rock to classical. I modify all the equipment I use to listen to music; except one thing that I would not ever want to change in any way shape or form.