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avoiding component purchase errors :part 2

in my previous discussion, i mentioned the importance of being aware of personality traits which may conflict with the sound that results froma particular component selection.

it is important that one be aware of one's preferences. if one has no idea what type of presentation is enjoyable, the result will be numerous purchases and sales in the quest of finding one's audio nirvana. one may be lucky at some point and achieve it, or one may continue to buy and sell for years and years.

it's a good thing that seious audio hobbyists do not "change" their spouses as often as they change their equipment.

if one has a desire to create a sound that conflicts with one's psychological makeup, the equipment will change frequently, but the persoanlity will probably not change.

better to have your tastes in sound consistent with your psychological make up, once you have figured out both.

as an example, consider the dimensions of stimulus intensity and complexity, and consider that most manufacturers design for maximum resolution, while the paragon of a high quality stereo system is also maximal resolution.

human being differe with respect to sensitivity of nervous systems to income stimuli and their ability to process data in a time fashion.

if you overload your brain and nervous system, you will take an action to achieve a comfort level.

if you want more and more detail and clarity, you may reach a point weher you have excede your threshold of tolerance.

such a situation puts your desires in conflict with your physiological and psychological capabilities. this is a recipe for eroors adn more buying and selling.

numerous studies have demonstrated that an intermediate level of complexity and intensity is an optimal state.

what levels of complexity and intensity are ideal for an individual, must be ascertained, creatively by that individual.

one need not be ashamed to admit that backing away from a high resolution stereo system may be better for one's health.

too many of us are concerned about being criticized by others for liking a sound which others consider inferior.

most of the time we listen alone and it is better to please ourselves than please the few friends who come over and share our listening experiences.
mrtennis
nuguy
195 posts
 
If your mind is ever evolving, it only makes sence that you would eventually become used to or bored with the sound of your hifi no matter what the quality. Systems change because people change. As for avoiding purchase errors, I try to keep it simple. I know what I can sell it for before I buy in the event I don't like it. I try not to worry too much about being able to handle the dimensions of stimulus intensity and complexity or if physiologically and psychologically the component and I are made for each other, or which CDP is better for my heart.

I have no doubt that you are onto something Mrtennis. It's obvious you are very intellegent, and I do enjoy reading your posts. Is there gonna be a part III?
phd
1,008 posts
 
Mrtennis thankyou for starting a thread & then providing all the answers, well almost. If buying & selling gear makes you happy, then do it. Every piece of gear I purchased gave me a thrill but some were more well received than others & the possibilities/combinations are endless. It is all trial & error & thats precisely what audiophiles love to do when they can afford it, make puchases, thus the reason Audiogon exists. An enjoyable hobby, yes but more than that, a distraction from the daily routine of life & a troubling world. Finally avoid watching the news everyday. Garbage coming in, garbage going out, you may find yourself having a good day. Oh yea, be sure to participate in Mrtennis's threads, they are also excellent distractions.
mrtennis OP
3,295 posts
 
gentlemen, i have a background in psychology, economics and mathematics.

my motivation for my threads is to create a dialogue. get people to think about their own behavior. perhaps, as we all do, we will realize we are doing things that are not in our own interests. by examining our assumptions and attitudes, our behavior may become more constructive.

i have been criticized for starting debates, debating myself, taking unconventional positions, and in general rocking the boat.

yes, i admit i do all that, as i am by nature very inquisitive. why do people behave in certain ways ?

i try to apply certain principles of psychology to uncover the deeper meanings of our behavior as it applies to listening preferences and purchasing behavior.

yes, you may call me unusual, because i have a very analytical perspective.

i hope something good comes out of my posts, even if people get angry at me.

as far as part iii on this subject, i think the sentiment doesn't favor it. i may have more to say on this subject in the future.
phd
1,008 posts
 
Mrtennis, human behavior is a very interesting topic & one only needs to look deeply into ones self to find possible answers. I think the subject you brought forth is unique & interesting and if you can get audiophiles to disclose the real reasons why the behave the way they do, more power to you. Mrtennis I always thought there should be a psychiatrist on Audiogon, maybe we will get one. I'm not suggesting were all crazy but there are alot of audiophiles on Audiogon that will admit to being compulsive or at least with this hobby.
sbrtoy
122 posts
 
If you are not interested in trial and error, or if you do not wish to change the sound of your system, why would you be on Audiogon anyhow? Anyone who was happy with the sound of their system and content in this "intermediate" level of sound would likely be surfing forums on new disc releases, rare vinyl, etc.

There is always excitement in purchasing new gear, and let's face it, it really is just a new toy regardless of how important music may be to your relaxation or state of mind.

Anyhow, I have built incredible systems only to tear them down and start over with something that sounds like crap several times...it's the challenge and research required to get it back to snuff that is half the fun.
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