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AUDIO PRICE INSANITY PRICE VS. PERFORMANCE WORTH IT?

What do you y’all think? I have 30k into my system and I recently attended AXPONA 2018. I compared what I heard to what I have. I felt my system compared to the 80 to 100k systems quite well. Matching is important. Also your reference point. Any thoughts yall?  
calvinj
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
Calvin, would you say your listening room has better acoustics than the AXPONA rooms? Or were you able to listen "past" that?
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
643 posts
 

With right around 6k-15k used well and covering the whole system, a person should easily be able to blow away an audio trade show presentation. It's all about the method of listening used.

Michael Green

www.michaelgreenaudio.net

michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
643 posts
 

"Myself, I collect and use the best vintage gear from the Golden Age of High End - 1965 - 85! That was when the most innovative (and affordable!) stuff was made! Since then prices have only risen for NO real advances in sound quality!"

This is an overlooked truth many times (I would go as far as stretching it to 1990). When HEA got into the selling revolving door of components and speakers the selection of "being able to play a wide range collection" dropped dramatically. Whenever you see a music playback excuse for not being able to play a recording you know something isn't right. And as roberjerman said right around 1985 there was a ceiling hit. Not so much with less expensive products but certainly with the over built ones.

Simplicity is coming back with a vengeance.

Michael Green

www.michaelgreenaudio.net

ricred1
1,412 posts
 
"High priced audio gear is just a trophy for high rollers! If you've got it, flaunt it!"

Sorry I just don't agree.  Audiophiles that I know don't tell anyone how much their system cost. Many of us enjoy our system's by ourselves or with a significant other. People who aren't into this hobby don't know Magico from speakers XXX. 
o_holter
541 posts
 
Calvinj - I downscaled from a large Krell /Dynaudio system to an OTL tube system, and for me, this works great. I have looked for used quality components and upgraded from there. It is sad that part of the audio gear becomes over-priced, but it is also a consequence of being small niche. Prices are of course unreliable, what matters is the testing of the component, preferably with your own ears.
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