Audiophiles - You're wasting your money!

[80B]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I couldn’t agree more with Tony.

Besides; I enjoy watching all the lights & meters.

And those glowing tubes!

[Poppyhome]

So is visually appealing more important to audiophiles than sound. Maybe 60/40?
If it looks good, you'll convince yourself it sounds good.
I know some units are so ugly, I would never buy despite great reviews.

I do love my lights and meters and find it hard to depart.

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Besides; I enjoy watching all the lights & meters.

Originally Posted by 80B

And those glowing tubes!

As long as it's not through rose colored glasses.

[Famester V1]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

I understand the point he's trying to make, but It's a rather superficial and oversimplified view of the topic. Most age related hearing loss (this is also an oversimplification) primarily affects the upper frequencies - it increases the volume threshold at which those frequencies become audible, or limits the ability to hear some frequencies at all. Good hearing aids can compensate for some of this loss, and our brains adapt for and interpolate missing information as well - and while one may suffer from hearing loss in certain frequencies, it does not necessarily limit one's ability to discern changes in other areas, such as timbre, tonal balance, soundstage width and depth, imaging, dynamics, ambience, or other factors that lead to enjoyment of music. Many of these factors can be impacted by component and cable changes. One may no longer be able to hear the sizzle of a cymbal, but still hear quite clearly the improved bass response or midrange focus brought by an upgraded cable or component. Sure, if you can't hear a difference after extended and thoughtful listening and evaluation (let's not go down the double-blind rabbit hole), then don't buy it. But explore and listen for yourself.

And how do you boil this hobby, the passion for music and high end sound, down to a purely economic proposition, anyway?

Exactly what I am experiencing, added to that is my Tinnitus which for some reason doesn't go away anymore.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by Poppyhome

Audio Masterclass

https://youtu.be/AjP7B2QFB9E?si=ds8qTTi-k35o6V-A

Just another Youtuber. This guy thinks he's so profound he calls his rambling a "Master Class."

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by cleeds

Just another Youtuber. This guy thinks he's so profound he calls his rambling a "Master Class."

[emoji106]

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

I understand the point he's trying to make, but It's a rather superficial and oversimplified view of the topic. Most age related hearing loss (this is also an oversimplification) primarily affects the upper frequencies - it increases the volume threshold at which those frequencies become audible, or limits the ability to hear some frequencies at all. Good hearing aids can compensate for some of this loss, and our brains adapt for and interpolate missing information as well - and while one may suffer from hearing loss in certain frequencies, it does not necessarily limit one's ability to discern changes in other areas, such as timbre, tonal balance, soundstage width and depth, imaging, dynamics, ambience, or other factors that lead to enjoyment of music. Many of these factors can be impacted by component and cable changes. One may no longer be able to hear the sizzle of a cymbal, but still hear quite clearly the improved bass response or midrange focus brought by an upgraded cable or component. Sure, if you can't hear a difference after extended and thoughtful listening and evaluation (let's not go down the double-blind rabbit hole), then don't buy it. But explore and listen for yourself.

And how do you boil this hobby, the passion for music and high end sound, down to a purely economic proposition, anyway?

Agree, 100%.

Best

Charles

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by Poppyhome

Audio Masterclass

https://youtu.be/AjP7B2QFB9E?si=ds8qTTi-k35o6V-A

Spending too much money on hi-fi equipment? You're wasting your money if your equipment is better than your ears.

Originally Posted by Poppyhome

If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile.

https://youtu.be/48PxwspDvrE?si=vcI8nTcUWmYYcNpe

Ivan wants us to be kind, so...

I think what you mean to say is that if you're spending money that you cannot hear, then you're not an audiophile

[Fbgbill]

I have pretty severe hearing loss but it does not detract from my enjoying the music and those big blue meters....!

[prepress]

Well then, since my audiologist says I have excellent hearing (not just for my age) perhaps I'd best upgrade something now, while I can hear the difference.