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In Reply to: Re: Am I the only one... posted by Todd Krieger on March 4, 2007 at 02:10:46:
...the number of incidences where the change is *not* enjoyed?
Follow Ups:
They read a rave review, slap the product in the system, it sounds different, and the thought- OMG, I might be there.....First euphoria, then after a while, slowly, the bliss wears off. Then a week or two later, the realization that the improvement really wasn't an improvement.
I've committed this very sin on numerous occasions. (If there's one thing I agree with the "objectivists" wholeheartedly on, it's the existence of "placebo effect" in audio evaluation.... )
If all these reports of sonic improvement were true, and I never listened to anything, I'd be under the impression that equipment would be exceptional across-the-board by now. But in reality, after all those changes for the better, I learned the hard way, I put in one of my original items, before the long cycle, and came to the realization I was making mere changes. For after five upgrades, it ultimately sounded worse than what I originally had.
...realized that degradations really weren't degradations? Because "after a while, slowly, the [dolor] wears off"?The two phenomena go hand-in-hand, which would seem to lead you into a philosophical box canyon: Nothing you do will ever make anything better, or worse.
...realized that degradations really weren't degradations? Because 'after a while, slowly, the [dolor] wears off'?"What you described seems to be "break-in"......
My answer is no. In fact, I do not recall an audio component that I didn't like initially, but did like later-on.
But like the false sense of improvement when hearing a difference out of the box, I also admit having a false sense of improvement form "break-in". The next time I listen, I realize it was wishful thinking.
...why not a "false sense of dolor"? Why does "wishful thinking" occur in one direction only? Aren't you somewhat suspicious, that everything seems to converge on *no improvement possible*?
Although I agree with you in part, sometimes our judgement is dependent on our tastes and our tastes can change. Even more problematic is that sometimes we don't know exactly what are tastes are. I think many of us have difficulty knowing or defining what are tastes are and we search for sonic variety or diversity as part of the discovery. Even in the case with your bad experiences, can't it be sad you had to go through those 5 upgrades to discover that what they did wasn't to your liking? Sonic changes can be mistaken for improvement, but they can also be mistaken as a detriment. My problem with saying anything is "better" is that it is so often defined by what one likes. Mind you, I'm not arguing in favor of "objectivism" as I am an admitted fence sitter, straddling both schools and using whichever one is most suitable as the need arises (for my own system needs, not for the sake of argument). Nonetheless, it is hard to argue that some crazy tweak is better or worse if the listener finds it to his/her liking. "Improvement" is in the ear of the listener.
I personally think the two sides are kind of superficial. Just like the two political parties. I've gotten both sides upset on occasion as well. (See that thread on Propeller Head.) The one thing I have learned is to not "jump the gun" in regard to exciting first impressions. Most of my opinions now are relatively subdued and based solely on equipment I've been happy or unhappy with, over at least a few months time.If I were to come out with a review publication, one of my rules for fellow reviewers would be to not mention anything until one has lived with a component for at least a couple months. And never pressure them with "quotas" for reviews. One review with a lot of time behind it is far more valuable than ten reviews based on quick evaluation. The "latest trend" mindset, in my opinion, only results in disappointment. Both aurally and fiscally.
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