Well, I totally expected some would not agree with my somewhat controversial post. I am being sincere though. I am not being cynical of audiophiles, I am one myself. I have been roaming Audiogon for years, and have written-responded on many occasions - also wrote a few reviews (including a 10 year old one on the great Verity Audio Parsifal speaker I used to own - lot's of '' air around the instruments with this one! ;) ''
I like nice gear and technology as much as the next guy believe me, or I wouldn't be here contributing to the debate.
There is NOTHING wrong with toying around for years trying to improve the sound of one's system. I was just pointing out the fact that it is exactly what it is - getting the best sound. Now, a more elegant and noble way of presenting this is by implying that we do this to get to the ''soul'' of the music. Of course this may be true for some, but, not many I think.
I do apologize however if anyone took it personally with my reference to ''wasted'' hours. It is of course a very personal thing to dispose of one's free time as he/she wishes and I regret offending anyone by this. But, taking things in perspective, and on a strictly personal level, I do think that those upgrade-tweaking-posting ads-replying- negotiating-shipping-cashing in the money then buying again-routine represent countless hours that could have probably have been spent on more various and worthwhile endeavors and people GIVEN the ''audiophile'' results I have collected from those hours. This is my experience only. Now, a reader of this post may take it as either ''Hogwash'', ''Recognize himself in this'', or "thanks, there may be a wake-up call in there somewhere!" Of course we are ALL gear-upgrade lovers here, or else we'd all be on the Gramophone website, devoted 95% to music and 5% gear, instead of Stereophile and Absolute Sound (and other rags) with 95% gear ad 5% music.
Just my opinion, nothing more, and of course I don't ming the flames, it's part of the fun of contributing to a audio forum.
One smart response on this thread is the analogy to a transistor radio. I am in COMPLETE agreement with this. Let's say that, for example, one is in total awe and admiration of (put your favorite artist's name here). Everytime you hear this artist, or band or whatever - it is total joy. You love the voice, brings back memories, creates new ones, whatever. Now let's suppose there are artist's that you absolutely don't care for - like (strictly personal) Kenny G, the man with the perpetual ''Panasonic-your meal is ready-microwave tone''. Don't laugh, this is what this music sounds to me. Given the chance, I would take my fav artist or song any day on a GE clock radio anyday over 5 minutes of the microwave man on a 100K system - strictly on a musical enjoyment basis. But for sound fireworks and spectaculario (just made up the name I think), sure, bring the 100K system over and let the sound sparks fly! (even with Kenny G probably).
Have a nice day everyone.
