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We are buying and reviewing gear all wrong

So let's assume that cables, power conditioners and electronics all contribute noticeably to the sounds we hear.

In that case, maybe the idea of buying individual gear, reviewing individual gear, etc. is all messed up.
We should review entire systems, and buy entire systems.

This idea that we constantly shuffle interconnects, speaker and power cords for all our lives is messed up.

We shouldn't be looking at audio stores or reviewers as recommending gear, but themes. Styles. Entire collections all at once.
erik_squires
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The premise of the op was whole systems should be reviewed. Nothing about relationships with HiFi dealers. However that is a good point, that fewer people have a local HiFi dealer. The difference is now, we all have the internet. Back in the day, before the internet.. All you had were the magazines to tell you what was available.. or local dealers. I remember plenty of dealers would say terrible things about other brands they did not sell!               
And back then, particularly in the heyday of TAS, a review could make (or break) a company. Not so anymore. Now online reviews and forums sites offer endless added opinions. So to my mind, it is WAY BETTER today, then in the past for being able to find discussions and reviews of particular equipment one is interested in. Plus repair problems, terrible factory responses, Great customer service.. You name it. So I say now if the best time to discover EASILY new equipment, others experiences with it, and what it may sound like.. all without doing more than moving your fingers on a mouse and keyboard. Then finding the product... And with used equipment so easily found... Hey what is not to like.
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
643 posts
 

I've been doing complete systems for a lot of years now, it's a nice niche. For one, you don't have to travel the same road as many HEA companies do. They always are dependent on other designers to pull them through. I don't have to mess with that. The other thing that is nice is the relationship you get to build with listeners.

Once somebody starts with "The Method of Tuning" and it becomes second nature to them, they never have to return to HEA's revolving door. They can stay a collector if they choose but it's no longer necessary, to get the sound they want.

Another nice thing about Tuning is how inexpensive it is. Most Tunable systems out there cost less than a typical HEA amplifier. If the listener does want to go ultimate system they go with The Tunable Room. With The Tunable Room you're literally sitting inside of a large musical instrument.

Michael Green 

michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
643 posts
 

I'm also glad that this forum, and others, are realizing the power is now in the listeners hands. With Tuning for example, I was told by the magazines why they didn't want to go any further promoting my method back in the late 90's (which you've been hearing me talk about). It was simply that they wanted to sell boxes not systems and certainly not methods. Every magazine that reviewed me told me that Tuning was the future after they experienced The Tunable Room and system, but there was no way they were going to pull that trigger, no way.

Now I'm getting tons of emails with people testing the waters. I try to give them simple things to do so they can build their confidence in Tuning. Once it clicks it's like watching a rebirth. It's one of those "of course" moments. And the nice part for me is, Tuning doesn't fail. If someone applies the Method of Tuning they "will" get the sound they want. It's funny, almost weird, it has taking so long for HEA to catch on that a volume control was not going to get them there.


mg

jnovak's avatar
jnovak
181 posts
 
I like many have moved in the direction of an all one system or at least all the same electronics. EACH time I did so something happened to that company!
imagine waking up one day to discover that your favorite brand of audio is closing up shop and your system is now worth 1/5 of it’s former value. Scary. I vowed to always keep my system diverse. Joe
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
65 posts
 
I think one of the biggest problems when selecting speakers and electronic equipment is you are not able to listen to this gear in your home.  You spend $ thousands, get it home and it sounds harsh or simply does not sound anything like what you heard when they were demoed.  It would be nice to put a deposit down with an agreement to be able to return them to the dealer without being charged a restock fee or be pigeon holed into buying them.  Most of the retailers in Colorado work out of their homes and their rooms are less than ideal to represent the sound quality that is possible when listening to them at home.  I am surprised no one is talking about master setting speakers to tune speakers to a room.  Most audiophiles do not have a clue about how to set up their speakers at home after spending $ thousands in order to get their speakers in phase with their listening room.  Soundings in Denver is the only retailer in Denver who almost requires their customers to allow them to do a master set.  They also really feel adding the proper REL subwoofers to a systems is as important as the speakers themselves in order to create the most optimal sound stage.  You should stop buy their store and in just 30 minutes you will be convinced there is a better way to listen to 2 channel stereo.  He moved one of the speakers just a few inches from where they were marked on the floor and I suddenly heard the right and left speakers.  When he moved one of the speakers out of position, he also had to raise his voice in order for us to carry on a conversation.  Master setting totally eliminates the detection of left or right speakers.  The sound travels directly to you between the speakers and you can feel your shoulders relax and feel sound the way it is meant to be heard.  And, no I do not work for Soundings.
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