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I think I've Just Seen Absolute Proof That Audiophiles Are Insanely Gullible

I didn’t want to crap on someone’s sales thread, so I thought i’d post my amazement here. The focus of my disbelief? The "Dalby D7-Vinyl Stabilizer," which is a damn weight that screws onto the turntable spindle to hold the record securely onto the platter. Listed retail? 4000 British Pounds! (although a mag listed it at $6,800! On sale here at AudioGullible for the bargain basement price of 2500 British Pounds, or $3600 US dollars!!! Just read a few snippets of the sales ad . . .

"The D7-Vinyl Stabiliser has a sonic character that brings music to life and the ability to elevate the entire audio frequency from the veil and mechanics inherent in prerecorded music. The gains are immediate, with sweeter high frequency extension while the mid and lower registers are beautifully controlled. The soundscape is wider, higher and deeper, allowing the music to breathe more naturally."

I’m sorry, but I’m calling total BS on this. A friggin’ weight brings "music to life," "sweeter high frequency extension," "allowing the music to breathe more naturally . ." Come on. Its a modified paperweight that screws onto the platter. One can only imagine what this guy thinks about some $20K interconnects for the turntable -- the music probably writes itself! And don’t forget the amazing improvement that a $4,000 carbon fiber mat might add . . . You probably would think you were hallucinating because the music breathed so much it was oozing out of the speakers, like on some of my more memorable nights in college in the ’70’s.

Now I have never heard this amazing gift to the audiophile community, so maybe it is the audio equivalent of the Second Coming, but really? $5,800 for this? It confirms to me that there is a certain insanity/gullibility/too much money/snake oil in this so-called "hobby," (which is a hobby to customers and ridiculous business for some manufacturers). When is enough enough? What about audiophile paint, that has amazing sonic qualities to cut down reflection and make the soundstage so wide that you feel you need a new apartment? Don’t forget the audiophile couch, that is sonically neutral but promises to position your ears to "bring music to life?" OK, I’ve made my point. No offense to the seller of the snake oil, but really . . . When is enough enough?

This concludes my rant for today. :)
moto_man

Showing 2 responses by oblgny

oblgny's avatar
oblgny
738 posts
 
Gawd,  this is funny stuff indeed...

The bottom line for it all depends upon one's personal bottom line and how much expendable income a body can justify for anything.  
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
738 posts
 
Am I so original as I think I am for coining the term, to describe myself mind you, “Audiot?”

I’ve bought isolation footers/platforms/cable risers and a few other forgettable things since joining this site, but never have I parted with thousands in the process.  (Almost all of the above had to do with eliminating vibration so...)

I don’t know a mosfet from a misfit, but I practice a fair degree of caution before I purchase anything - even though I sometimes buy stuff just for the hell of it, out of boredom/curiosity/having nothing significant to add to my system. 

Fortunately, perusing the forums here has helped me avoid the snake-oil stuff by reading the hands-on experiences by fellow members. My system is set up the same way I have been setting up my stereos since high school - it’s pictured in the Virtual Systems section here- and while I’m certain many will be taken aback by its positioning and whatnot, I think it sounds marvelous. 

We we all have to practice a little “forgive” for our systems. No one’s home is perfectly suited toward  the artificial reproduction of music - and it IS all artificial - so while our attempts to better the sound from  our gear is commendable, the second we take a seat in the room everything changes.  Sometimes immeasurably, but nonetheless...

I can’t move my Maggies 4 feet from the rear wall, nor can I move that wall away from them.  I can turn my system on though, sit down and enjoy the tunes, sometimes wondering what I could change to hear Ginger Bakers cymbal strike sound more “real”. 

Then I get too comfortable and think,  “Naaaaah.”

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