Critic's Corner

Posted by Sordidman (D) on May 09, 2007 at 14:31:45

In Reply to: Esoterica Is Its Own Reward. posted by jbwebs on May 8, 2007 at 10:53:44:

then you'd be making a mistake.

Yeah, - it is all subjective. There's no right and wrong. Like art, people have their different preferences, and that also extends beyond the sound. A $45,000 tubed system sounds much different than yours, and even though it may not be better to you, it doesn't mean that it isn't better for the person who bought it, for whatever reason that person purchased it.

Finally, it is possible to compare the details of two different systems. Even though it may not be "better" to two different people who don't value the same attributes in a CD player, it is possible for those two people to agree that a Meitner elucidates more "detail" from a CD disc than a Rega Planet: assuming that they can agree on what the word "detail" means.

Yes, it is possible to get just as much "pleasure" from an Ipod, or your system, as it is through some crazy top of the line $50K system, - especially if one forgets about the sound quality and listens for "content."

However, - I am someone whose listening pleasure would be enhanced by owning my system, - at least in my room, - than yours. Yep, it's a subjective, exclusive, art-like, luxury product, - I'll admit that. But I was able to afford it, and it is/was "worth-it" for me to own. And, it certainly sounds much different than yours. We all have our vices and biases, - I also have what I think is a kick-ass espresso machine, a really nice Italian racing bicycle, and an inclination to spend too much time at the sushi bar...

YMMV....

Rock on ........

---

The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure. Ideal love a new purchase, a market of the senses. Dream of the perfect life.

• Novelty & the pleasure principle - Dave Garretson 09:16:13 05/10/07 (3)
  In Reply to: Unless you think that it all sounds the same posted by Sordidman on May 9, 2007 at 14:31:45:

  The pleasure principle as a basis for comparisons sure can be confusing. I've got my "A" system, and in the next room my "B" system (comprised of older-generation top-notch separates retired from "A" along the upgrade path.) When I light up "B" after a long period of listening only to "A," it invariably surprises how good "B" sounds-- at first listening, in some respects better than "A." But half an hour of back & forth between the two systems reveals why "A" surpasses "B" in every dimension & why I wouldn't want to go back.

  So what's happening here? I suppose the pleasure of novelty overwhelms the senses for a time. Which explains why for the married man audio is a wiser hobby than women. Also shows that it's tricky comparing components by memory.
  
  
  

  ---

  • That's a really good point, and further....... - Sordidman 10:44:59 05/10/07 (2)
    In Reply to: Novelty & the pleasure principle posted by Dave Garretson on May 10, 2007 at 09:16:13:

    complicates the "experience."

    I was pretty much a "co-producer" of my band's recordings. And, one of the things that really frustrates me was my lack of attention to what was happening post 2 channel mix-down....

    So many things are involved. I don't know about you, but this often leads me to question my preferences, and also less judgmental and more tolerant of other's choices....

    Cheers,
    
    

    ---

    The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure. Ideal love a new purchase, a market of the senses. Dream of the perfect life.
    
    

    ---

    • Re: That's a really good point, and further....... - Dave Garretson 11:03:15 05/10/07 (1)
      In Reply to: That's a really good point, and further....... posted by Sordidman on May 10, 2007 at 10:44:59:

      BTW,

      Question: Is sushi better after a ride on a Colnago or on a Ducati?

      Answer: It sits better on the Ducati on the ride home from the restaurant.

      Moral: One's choice of transportation is not just a matter of taste.
      
      

      ---

      • Yep, - especially when..... - Sordidman 11:57:16 05/10/07 (0)
        In Reply to: Re: That's a really good point, and further....... posted by Dave Garretson on May 10, 2007 at 11:03:15:

        you're on that Ducati with your sushi hugging the white line and passing a cyclist...

        :-)

        Yikes...

        All I ever did was go around the block on my downstairs' neighbor Ducati Monster-killer-track-racing-motorcyle; and I wanted it immediately...

        Expensive Italian 2 wheel things.... My dad used to always tell me to work hard in school and get a good job as all of that Italian stuff doesn't come cheap.....
        

        ---

        The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure. Ideal love a new purchase, a market of the senses. Dream of the perfect life.
        
        

        ---