wolf_garcia, agreed; although my 'approach' to 'audiophrenology' may be considered 'fringe' to an outright travesty in choice of equipment, cables, ad infinitum. I generally listen to the music, since What I employ to do so pleases me enough.
Any equipment variations of my own of late currently lean more towards signal control vs. 'quality'. That detail can vary so much that one notices more the variables in the process of engineering, the source of the selection and how it was created, and where I found it...
....but that's only IF I'm cranky enough to pay attention to it...*G* If I'm 'just listening for entertainments' sake', I can blow it off and just enjoy myself....
However, if I've completed a new pair or set of the DIY speakers I've completed, all that gets tossed. Then, I'm listening Hard, the 'puter's are Up, and the serious analysis takes place.
Ultimately (and IMHO...well, perhaps, Not so H...smirk*), the quest for perfection is a solitary goal. One 'hunts' or not, if pleased where one finds oneself; until you're not. Then budget, SAF and tolerance, and the usual bevy of variables comes into play. If one is lucky (or not; your call on the IRL opinions of others), you've got local 'audioholics' to opin on your 'arrangement.'
In that regard, I'll consider myself my own worst critic. As for the rare 'listener' I host, the great majority have NEVER heard anything approaching what I'm about....
...and it's just my Hobby. For now.... *s*
Any equipment variations of my own of late currently lean more towards signal control vs. 'quality'. That detail can vary so much that one notices more the variables in the process of engineering, the source of the selection and how it was created, and where I found it...
....but that's only IF I'm cranky enough to pay attention to it...*G* If I'm 'just listening for entertainments' sake', I can blow it off and just enjoy myself....
However, if I've completed a new pair or set of the DIY speakers I've completed, all that gets tossed. Then, I'm listening Hard, the 'puter's are Up, and the serious analysis takes place.
Ultimately (and IMHO...well, perhaps, Not so H...smirk*), the quest for perfection is a solitary goal. One 'hunts' or not, if pleased where one finds oneself; until you're not. Then budget, SAF and tolerance, and the usual bevy of variables comes into play. If one is lucky (or not; your call on the IRL opinions of others), you've got local 'audioholics' to opin on your 'arrangement.'
In that regard, I'll consider myself my own worst critic. As for the rare 'listener' I host, the great majority have NEVER heard anything approaching what I'm about....
...and it's just my Hobby. For now.... *s*