arnyk wrote: > I sense a big confusion about the purpose of having an audio system. > > Some appear to judge the value of an audio system as a pure financial > play. For them sound quality need not mean anything at all, it seems. > > Others judge the value of an audio system based on its ability to > provide enjoyment while it supports the big show, which is the sound of > music and dialog. > ... >
That's a good point Arny. Because the idea of valuing audio equipment as an "investment" bestows upon them a non-utilitarian mystique. The problem is that many refuse to acknowledge the main reasons why this stuff is expensive - they look good, impresses friends and family, makes a guy (usually) feel good that he has "reached the pinnacle" of quality... All these are of course characteristics of luxury goods. None of those qualities necessary imply that it -sounds any good-. -But the audiophile must defend against these other "values" and above all must insist sound quality is number one! -Because sound quality was what he started on the road with and I suspect the more introverted audiophile never wants to look pompous admitting that he indulges purely in luxury goods... Nor would manufacturers ever want to promote such an image; it always must sound better because it's more expensive! Therefore objective means of "calling a spade a spade" by demonstrating the physical qualities and accuracy goes against this psychological structure. Defenses must be mounted whether it be claims of "measurements cannot capture everything" to those solipsistic beliefs that it's "all subjective" and nobody can know anything other than in the ears of the beholder... As much as we might be the "underdogs" in this battle among self-professed "audiophiles" at this time, I do think it's still worth "the fight"... I think in time, the "objectivist audiophile" will again be the dominant viewpoint. Archimago's Musings: (archimago.blogspot.com) A 'more objective' audiophile blog. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Archimago's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2207 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=103980 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
