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what is the purpose of a stereo system ?

yes this is a philosophical question. i think it is the basis for many disagreements as to what is good sound and is a useful issue to discuss.

here are 6 categories for identifying the purpose of a stereo system:

1)as a window on the source--neutrality (truth)

2)to recreate the sound of music--musicality (beauty)

3)to statisfy one's sonic preferences--idiosyncratic

4)as a status symbol to impress other people--non sonic (psychological)

5)to create a salutary affect, such as lowering blood pressure, relaxation, stimulation etc.--non sonic (physiological)

6)as a catalyst to enhancing another activity--background

some of the disagreements as to component preferences or the sound of stereo systems may result from differing ideas as to what a stereo system should do.

a stereo system which puts one to sleep--a salutary affect may be considered poor quality when viewed as a conveyor of what's on a recording.

i hope this helps to view componets ind stereo systems ina different perspective.
mrtennis
pawlowski6132's avatar
pawlowski6132
572 posts
 
Jond, I wasn't implying that you thought there were NOT different levels of sound. I'm saying your reduction of the two hobbies: that, "...the basic proposition is still simple." "...at the end of the day both systems are simply allowing yoj to listen to and enjoy music."

I'm saying that's wrong. Not true. At the end of the day high-end systems do MUCH MORE than let people enjoy the music (although it's true for some people). So much so that I think it's apples and oranges.
phd
1,008 posts
 
It's both, the gear and the music, you can't have one without the other. Although this website is strictly a means of buying, selling gear, & other associated items, the underlying common denominator is the love of music. Having a quality stereo system reflects both pride in ownership & having the ability to deliver a musical presentation that is satisfying & enjoyable. John Hillig himself said that coming home to a great sounding stereo system is like finding the proverbial oasis in the desert. Anyway gear is a means to the end & some of us do fall prey to the merry-go-round at times, losing sight of what is important, but eventually we all come back to our senses.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
My system is a babe magnet par excellence. Ever since I cryo'd the walls, floor and all the furniture, I just can't keep up with all the propositions I get. The chicks think it's way cool!
phd
1,008 posts
 
Onhwy61, are you serious or being sarcastic? I don't think your system is catching the chicks, it has to be your magnetism & good looks.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
Phd, now I have to ask, are you serious?

Actually, the original question deserves a good answer and mine system is designed to make me happy while I listen to music.

Only slightly less serious, I'm old enough to remember the days when Hefner stood in his smoking jacket with a buxom blonde on his arm and the reel to reel prominently displayed in the background. There was a time when hi-fi was sexy, but that was before we started obssessing about cables or whether to couple or decouple. I see it coming any day now, the latest audiophile craze will be tube based phono changer console systems. Teak or walnut?
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