Home Propeller Head Plaza

Technical and scientific discussion of amps, cables and other topics.

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Propeller Head Plaza ]
[ Alert Moderator ]

I have my own theories about "audiophilia"...

And although Freud would have us belief that *every* psychological maladaptation can be boiled down to primal sexual desires and conflicts (such as an Oedipal conflict), I think the article is close to the bullseye - just on the wrong dartboard.

Audiophiles believe that procuring, setting up and evaluating a high-calibre system takes a certain skill set plus a combination of natural and acquired listening skills.

There is nothing wrong with this first part. I've heard too many wonderful systems assembled by music-loving audiophiles that are just far too enjoyable to be considered a "maladaptation". Where it goes from hobby or interest to passion is one point, and from passion to obsession or even delusion is another. These points cannot be defined, and vary for each individual. Two individuals can be exhibiting similar behaviour, but it may only be detrimental behaviour for one or the other.

The place where audiophilia reaches into the darker corners of psychology is when it becomes obfuscated as to where the line between "what we hear" and "what we think we hear" lies. My own personal agenda is try and identify and isolate these "perceptual tricks" and encourage others to do the same. I am not taking a "DBT or bust" position - but instead think of it as trying to remain aware of psychological factors that can turn a fun and involving hobby that I am passionate about into an obession of things that cannot be qualified as real or imagined.

Once you get into the twilight-zone of imaginary changes, you are at the mercy of the complexities (and resulting limits) of human perception. Now, some vehemently deny this phenomenon and stand firm that "what they hear is what they hear". But I always wonder why we as audiophiles can accept that visual tricks are common phenomena, but to query about audible "tricks" is to blaspheme. Further to this strange exception is the notion that 'tricks' can be minimalized using certain controls in other sciences, yet none of these "will work" for audio - and we're left with uncontrolled, biased, (and even peer influenced) sighted audtions as the sole manner in which we can appraise equipment and equipment changes.

I just find it very ironic that audio is such a "special case"...

Very often people perceive equalization changes incorrectly. What is *perceived* as a droop in response in one area of the bandwidth was really a rise is response in a neighbouring area (or vise versa). This is a very common problem that happens when "EQing by ear". Professionals acknowlege this and EQ using feedback tools like RTA hardware. Loudspeaker designers use MLS software for the same reason. Both agree that you just can't always trust your ears when adjusting frequency response. Audiophiles? Some figure flat response is what SOUNDS flat to them!

Tricks of eye. Can there be tricks of the ear as well?

Cheers,
Presto

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.  

Follow Ups Full Thread
Follow Ups
FAQ

Post a Message!

 Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]