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"4. Your system will always sound its worst when other audiophiles come to listen."

Posted by Todd Krieger on October 19, 2010 at 13:31:49:

I think this is because when other people are present, there is now a direct acoustic reference that often makes the system sound "electronic" by comparison.............

"1. You will live with a persistent sense that all is not quite well, that you could do better, and that your system is always in need of something."

This is why the live reference, attending live concerts, is paramount. Because it often makes the difference in knowing what that "something" actually is.

"2. In an attempt to compensate for your unease you will develop a highly cynical reaction to reviewers who you will come to believe are at best delusional and at worst corrupt, on the payroll of manufacturers who provide them with audio goodies and more."

Although I do have such cynicism myself, for me it's because I've too often tried the raved products, and ended up disappointed. It's more of a case of "Fool me once, shame on you..... Fool me twice..... "

"3. A further ambivalence is invariably induced by the way audio products are priced. You have every reason to doubt the sanity of a world where a pair of interconnect cables can cost more than a car, and where glib reviewers speak of windows being opened, blacks being blacker, and highs being cleaner as a result. Difficult as you find it to admit, you secretly want to try these in your own system to determine if they actually might do something, which you secretly fear is so."

This was my case, until Item 2 took over..........

"5. You will start to listen to music you never really cared for in the past. Your spouse will become suspicious that your rock and serious instrumental tendencies have given way to smoky voiced chanteuses with, heaven help you, backing bands of players you hardly recognize."

This was almost never the case with me, but this comment raises another issue I was not overly aware of- I did know a few audiophiles who often bought certain recordings to best demonstrate the system, even though the music itself was.... uhhhhhh.... blah............ (Some people classify Diana Krall as falling into this musical category, but I don't. I actually enjoy her music.)

"6) To convince yourself that you are sensible, you will have one product in your rig that is 'killer' for the price."

I cannot speak for others, but having extra $$$ in the bank is a big deal for me. And the more "killer" items for the price in the system, the better.

"7) In an attempt to appear cost-sensitive, you will dabble in DIY. This could take many forms, but your new-found obsession with affordable paper-in-oil capacitors and high-quality resistors will serve as a shield against claims that you have become a nutter."

I only go to DIY if the alternative IMO is overpriced. Too many non-DIY options, however.

Whether or not people here think I'm a "nutter", I don't really care.......

"9. You have become blase about double-blind reviewing. You wish reviewers would do it but you can’t bring yourself to try at home."

Funny...... I try it at home, but wouldn't put much stock in a reviewer doing it..........

"10. Your home will become a temple to your religion. Cables will be dressed, risers bought, pucks placed on tops and speaker positions taped to the floor so you can always move them an inch or two around during a private listening service, safe in the knowledge that your little 'undo' trick will work."

My "temple" looks more like the repair bays of an auto shop than a "boutique" audio store......... And all my cables rest messily on the carpet............