Audiophiles and the fear of missing out on something better
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- Опубліковано 11 січ 2020
- The one you don't have is better than what you've got! The Audiophiliac and Andrew Singer hash it out.
Andrew's store is Sound by Singer www.soundbysinger.com
#audiophiles #FOMO - Розваги
Good points.
A lot of guitarists have similar obsessions/quirks. "If I had this guitar, I could play better. If I had this cable, I would sound better. IF I used this amp, I would sound great."
Amateur golfers have similar quirks regarding putters, drivers, and wedges.
I play jazz guitar and I agree entirely.
I have this quirk about water. I always think I could be drinking something better.
@@ewigerschuler3982 - That's why alcoholic beverages were invented.
"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
Love that Manassas/ Stephen Stills reference.
"Enjoy the Wow that's Happening Now!" - Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
The only mistake was deciding to chew and suck on hard candy while getting interviewed with a lapel mic...:)
I can hear every detail through my audiophile speakers.
Reminds me of the early days of "Hi Fi" (I wasn't there), where people would play sound effects records to show off their systems.
Major fail, made it very difficult to continue watching.
I thought it made him sound like a badass. That man does not GAF.
Caleb Keen Obviously he does not GAF but maybe he should or Steve should and do over.
I think the internet makes the ''did I buy the right thing?'' syndrome much worse. When I bought my first systems I went in, auditioned a whole system that the dealer recommended, and bought it. For years the only thing I ended up changing afterwards was the phono cartridge. When that system got stolen I went out and bought a very similar system without over thinking it and was very happy.
That certainly hasn't been the case for the past ten years or so.
I think reviews make it worse. I read reviews and buy stuff and the item sucks. Happened recently from one of Steve's reviews. There are so many things that can be wrong with a stereo.
This one really bruised my ego... I'm one of those neurotic audio hobbyists with big dreams and small pockets. I'm always second guessing my choices lol.
Magnepans and never looked back. They're my cheapest component...I wish I had purchased cheaper components and spent more on a higher level Magnepan speaker.
Always love listening to Andrew Singer. Keep the Andrew Singer interviews coming.
Dont you mean tywin lannister
Paralysis by analysis. But then many people love the analysis part of the equation. They aren't really looking for anything they haven't already heard they just want to see what the next change brings. That's their real joy and their real reason for being in audio or any other hobby. They are the travelers, so to speak. The bliss they experience with the view they have, no matter how grand, is short lived because all they truly long for is the view that's over the next hill. If that view isn't as grand they don't consider going back to where they were because it's always about what's next. There is no destination for these people. Other people are sheep, plain and simple. They might audition several products and actually pick out a system they love and is truly stellar. Yet they pick up an audio review magazine where they see that Fauntleroy Vandergrander thought the speakers they chose were missing that slightest bit of "air" above 19,278 hertz when playing Bhramatooven's 91st and a half concerto for piccolo's in D sharp major. Suddenly they question their choice of speakers instead of questioning the credentials, and sanity, of Fauntleroy Vandergrander!
It's really incredibly simple. Unless you're the traveler type who can't be satisfied no matter what, go listen to as much stuff as you can so you really get a feel for what satisfies you versus what satisfies some reviewer who doesn't listen to anything you do!
Almost everyone in the this country lives within a days drive of an audio dealer and if you're looking to spend serious money on audio equipment then it's far less expensive to take a road trip than it is to get stuck with a five thousand dollar streamer you hate. Also, there are plenty of authorized online retailers that have good return policies. Now, beyond that, if you do listen to a lot of different products you'll find that while many make a difference in the sound it's debatable whether that difference is an improvement or not. And there are often trade offs as well. Oh, this amp gives me better definition but loses the bass response. Well, what's more important to you? Both, man! Okay, well, this amp does both but it's thirty thousand dollars. You got thirty grand? No? Okay, well, amp one gives you the superior bass response that you prefer on ninety nine percent of the music you listen to . While amp two only gives you the tiniest advantage in definition on roughly three songs. Yes, pumpkin, I know it's unimaginably important to pretend you can hear the nose hairs of world renowned violinist, Bowstring Jones, vibrating in tune with his prized Stradivarius. After all, that's what makes ol' Bowstring the best! However, perhaps it's truly best just to enjoy his violin sans the nose hair nine while loving the other ninety nine percent of your music to it's fullest. Look, folks, even if you're filthy rich you have to make choices. You only have so much time and energy to devote to any hobby. Best to get busy enjoying the music and quit worrying about the noise!
I think part of it is that almost no one says, "you spent HOW MUCH on that Ferrari?" but almost everyone challenges a stereo purchase. So we have to convince ourselves even more stridently that it wasn't a mistake.
the other problem is that with 10 elements in the chain, the number of possible combinations is measured in trillions. many audiophiles do not know know the math, because they think there is 10 things so I'll just try until I find. What they don't know is combinatorics theory, the number of ways you can arrange 10 elements where each element (e.g. power cable) can have only 10 variants. you get a mind boggling number.
The other big question is. Is it better or is it just different? I always keep my old gear for quite a long time after I have “improved “ my system. I can then change it back some months later and really hear if I have made an improvement on it.
I know Steve. doesn’t understand it, but I always hoard my gear. Many times I’ve put something back in the system many years later and find it sounds far better than I remember, probably because It has more synergy with the latest kit than it had with those I pairedvit with at the time
Keep the same goddamn amplifier and get new music ya dumb toads (it doesn't matter if the recording's stellar or mediocre). Explore other genres of music. Explore different exotic sounds. Listen to some Chinese Guzheng or a Indian Sarod instrument. Expand your dull mind. Forget Diana Krall's ass and that one stupid "audiophile" recording that your stupid boomer ass listens to on repeat (cos' that's what the other lousy boomer told you to). Lousy Boomerville!
@@wa2368 couldn't agree more. Could I improve on my systems sound? Sure! But im content with the great sound I already have, and my record collection continues to grow and diversify. Just discovered Kora music....wow what amazing musicians....
Same here Shaun ...
It can be different, or better, depending on what you are looking for. It's nice to go to other audiophile's homes and hear their systems as that's how I learned what better actually is. Better imagine and soundstage in which I can pick out individual instruments in orchestral performances, or more realistic sounding insturments and voices. I then go back to my system and I say, yes their system was better. But their are things I prefer about my system to these other ones as well. I'm also limited by my listening space, so in that way certain rooms are absolutely better than others.
Everything is a compromise. IMHO, the trick is figuring out where your specific "happy line" is and then making sure you're above it. Kudos to the Audiophiliac for sharing his knowledge and experiences with us.
Audiophiles in general are extremely introverted,and are frightened to purchase the wrong system/components for a variety of paranoid, social anxiety worry's! IT'S INSANELY SILLY! I love my hobby/ with over 25 pairs of speakers,over 15 different types of power amps.it's always mix and match time at my house! The astounding match combinations that I stumbled on are so surprising that some the matches have never,ever been in the same room before! Improbable combinations that most Audiophiles Scoff at! I am truly blessed that I have the volume of different types of Equipment that I do! IT'S ALL ABOUT SYSTEM MATCHING,AND ROOM SETUP,more so than tossing outrageous amounts of money at it!
That phone call at the end ... police calling to ticket Andy for speeding in his Ferrari.
Yes. lol. Up to this point all the cops had for a clue was a photo of a high-speed blur.
No, it was his last customer who is having second thoughts on what he bought earlier.
I have been listening to the Sennheiser HD 600 for going on seven years, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out. It just sounds so natural, so right.
Rev. Dr. Marc Axelrod Definitely takes the speaker/speaker cable and ends/stands/room treatment/ high power amplifier/subwoofer issues out of the equation.
If you ask recording engineers what headphones they can mix with the Sennheiser HD 600 will often be high on the list. They are natural and do most things right with little to no embellishment and with little or nothing missing. I ran a studio for 23 years and referenced them frequently.
Man - I put on Spoon Hot Thoughts today and it just jumped out of my system. It sounded so amazing and I had such a great feeling of “I put this SOB together and I did my research and I watched great views like this and this sounds amazing”
I started looking at more music - not gear. It was a real warm and happy moment. I have never focused on my music as much as I do now and that tells me that I’m in a good place with my HiFi.
Same here. Got a decent mid-fi system. But my money has always gone to the music. If I was just starting out it might be reversed. Pour the money into a 20k system and stream high res. I guess that is where it is going.
If this business didn’t sell so much overpriced junk this problem would not exist.
A lot of Hifi equipment is over priced. I have built s pair of speakers and the amount of money people can save is a lot by making there own. I am thinking of making a amp and dac and maybe a cd player in the future. If I was wanting to buy a thousand pound pair of speakers I would rather buy the parts for under half the price or spend a thousand pounds and make a pair of speakers that sound like a pair of speakers that cost thousands. There are speaker kits that can be bought and if you don't have the confidence to build them get a friend to do it and watch them to see that it is not hard to do.
Lloyd Stout There are honest guys out there trying to do it but the high priced stuff turns people away. The wire thing is weird. The internet is leveling the field. I just found out what the best turntables are. It’s all over the internet.
I'd bet half of Andy's wealth can be attributed to this human insecurity.
And 95% of the cosmetics industry!!
@@TheMirolab - lol. So true.
Such a great interview. Really, at some point it probably is 'good enough'.Constantly chasing some aural nirvana with dollars has diminishing returns. Sit back and enjoy the music.
I recently bought a new surround sound receiver to get DTSX. Tried to sell the old one but couldn’t get what I wanted for it. So I kept it, bought a pair of vintage pioneer speakers for 100 bucks, and now I have a dedicated two-channel system upstairs in my art studio. Pioneer receiver, pioneer speakers and a nice warm sound. Win-win
Yea! 100K, congratulations. Hey everyone, support Steve by letting the ads play all the way through. If you skip ads, Steve gets nothing.
Or just pay for UA-cam premium :D
Mr Singer is correct about other hobbyists----they don't doubt their decisions. I play around with model railroads and I go to model RR expos and they don't act like this. I'm very happy with my audio system and model trains.
Once you have reached the philosophers status, you are aware of being a true audiophiliac grandmaster :)
Just love that guy! I found this video to be very funny as it touched upon all of my audiophiliac insecurities and...mistakes!
Extremely interesting piece, Steve. I love it when you tackle the psychological aspects of the hobby in your segments. I have what many audiophiles would consider a very, very, low-end system. Yet, I LOVE the sound I'm getting from my vintage AR 90's and Yamaha receiver. In fact, sometimes I feel that I must not know enough about good sound quality because I love the sonic qualities of my system so much. I believe we sometimes factor into our systems what others might feel about the equipment we have. I think it takes a lot of growing up to not fall to that kind of peer pressure and to simply enjoy what we enjoy.
Good advice. I changed the tube in my dac and the 4 pre amp tubes in my integrated amp and big improvement. Much more economic than actual unit changes.
Thanks for addressing it, I think this is a deep and important topic... and no, it's not just for audio stuff, I find myself affected in almost every field of life.
Let me comment on a few aspects:
The "best price/value" struggle. Obviously current market mechanics create a conflict of interest between manufactureres / retailers and consumers. It is rare that a price is so finely balanced that all 3 parties end up being happy with it and not feeling of having missed an opportunity (of earning more or spending less). In rare cases when something is so awesome, and I can totally afford it, its the "shut up and take my money" scenario. There is an important factor however, that nowdays I apply to my research culture: "Virtual cost", or in other words: If I already know what I want, but I spend 1-100 more hours to find a better deal. I apply an hourly wage on my research time, because I could spend that on being productive elsewhere, so what I charge there is close to my normal hourly wage. As often I found myself spending more virtual money on finding a better deal, than the price of the object itself, nowdays I start with and estimation of what could be my estimated benefit at the end of the search... and then set a target of how much time I allow myself for finding a deal... If I cannot, then either I buy for the best found so far, or I simply decide to put the project on hold, and simply set a few auto notificators to warn me if a particular item in a particular pricerange ever becomes available.
The "Fear of missing out" : Thankfully nowdays I more and more can precisely tell what I would like to have if it existed. (currently in a "desperate" hunt for the ideal keyboard, btw.) As I know what I want, I also recognise when finally I have it, and then I can potentially settle in a topic for long years,, the problem in my case is the "hate of having to compromise"... Where the thing you are looking for, already exists spread across a range of competitors, but none of them has it just right... but maaan the feeling when you finally find it.... and just know that this is it... then you would rather think of, maybe I should buy two of it, just in case it will not be available in the long run again. Unfortunately however this compromising factor is often not by chance... often manufacturers have the power to make the right combination of things, but refuse to do so in one step in order to leave you a good enough reason to buy the next version... but sometimes (especially in case of new contenders who would like to prove themselves and make a name with something remarkable) they decide to create something that is both allaround excellent and affordable.
The last comment: I think what we need is an even stronger community, that would create also places where we can test all available stuff in depth for ourselves, so at least the final decision would be based on my own test experience, not on 30 youtube videos, stating a wide range of opinions about the same thing. Massdrop was a good half step in this direction... when the communiy articulates a precise need and team up to fight for the delivery in the best possible price range.
Woww... this got long.... but it had to come out... :) cheers.
About 5 years ago (at age 50) I finally came to terms with the fact that my home system is near perfection, and now I am seeking change, just for the sake of hearing something different, but not necessarily better. That has taken a lot of pressure off me. What led me to this epiphany was returning from audio shows, playing my system, and realizing it sounded near as good, or better than 80% of what I had experienced at the show.
I think the big issue is that IF you can demo it and it sounds good, it might not sound the same with your equipment or your room. That is the worry. Not all expensive equipment will sound good for your setup
Yep. That is the audiophile's delimma. A Farrari is a beautiful machine, but is useless for daily city (stop and go) driving. Room, set up and quality of recording are as much of a factor as equipment.
@@LookSee Exactly, because I don't care if you buy the exact same system, piece by piece including cables, phono cartridge etc. Unless you have the same room, with the exact same dimensions, same materials, same acoustic treatment and furniture placement, it is going to sound different. Treat your room, do frequency tests. Make sure you have all that in place first, then introduce all your equipment.
@@djsouthpaw3811 yep. The problem is that the last thing people ever work on is room treatments
This interview reminded me that you should not be sucking on candy while the camera is in your face.
I did not need a pair of horn speakers to hear the repeated smacking sounds.
It's almost as if he did it on purpose. I couldn't finish the video.
@@RainmakerAnton Same here, That was so annoying I couldn't finish it either, that and he was annoying.
Loved this, thanks!
I'm happy with my NHT 1.5 speakers. I think they were sold in the 90s (when I was a toddler). Got them on OfferUp for $100. I paired them with a 50 watt Marantz receiver and Velodyne sub. They sound so pleasant, detailed, and clean.
Yes, but whining is one of my best qualities!
Wise words! Sorry for the loss of your great friend.
Very interesting discussion. Lots of different topics to explore deeper later!
A parallel with the audiophile is with the amateur golfer, who is always chasing the latest “technology” that will hit longer drives, sink more putts, hit more greens, etc. In reality, what equipment they currently play with is most likely just fine for their skill level. The big change I see over the years is that the latest, greatest component is now thrown in front of you on a daily basis, constantly casting doubt on our last purchase. We used to have to wait a month to get the new printed issue of whatever magazine to see the next mouth-watering goodie for sale; now UA-cam brings them to us on a daily basis.
The difference is I don't have to pay green fees or lose balls in the water when plying music. Reminds me though these custom clubs are gathering dust.
Interesting discussion. i’m sure Andrew is correct that audiophiles are more neurotic than buyers of other items such as cars. However, with audio it is much more difficult to compare different products as opposed to things like cars where it is relatively easy to decide whether you like the look of one car over another. with audio equipment you have to compare a number of factors including cost, appearance reliability and of course the intangible thing - the sound of the product. When comparing sound of course it is difficult to determine what is better and this is where the problems start, and this is before you start thinking about the synergy between components. Imagine when buying a car you had the option of buying the different components of the car eg chassis from various companies and models within that company. Suddenly I think a similar neurosis would be apparent with car buyers as can be see with audio buyers.
Spot on. My audiophile friend said that he is selling all his preamps, amps and DACs and getting a Cambridge Audio Edge A integrated amplifier, which costs $6,000, 3 things in one. We still need to decide on speakers, streamers, turntables and optical disc transports.
I guess with hifi, the enthusiast has to choose components, something that a car enthusiast doesn’t have unless they are in to modifying the car parts
Great Interview Steve! Keep them coming!
*sigh* ....... I KNEW I should have watched that other video!
Ha! Good video, Steve!
When I get bored or neurotic about gear, the first thing I do is to seek out new music and new artists.
I guess I’m lucky to be content with my current system. My fear is anything I change will set back sound quality. 😎
We all know buying a piece of gear worth more money doesn’t guarantee that its better.
All audio systems will degrade with time. It’s not the system, it is you. The real money is adapting the system to the new “you” from a physiological standpoint. You will degrade faster or slower than your peers. It depends on your age, genotype, and your exposure to sound, and maybe even your hygiene!
"A lion does not concern himself with the opinions of the sheep" Tywin Lannister
Always a pleasure to listen to Andrew.
Mr. Singer, thank you for inventing the sewing machine.
An analogy might be fine wine. There is peer pressure, there are a lot of terms and much to know, there's much development of your tastes, and every wine's character depends upon the previous thing you tasted. And dealers can move you to buy a $12 bottle, a $25 bottle, or a $90 bottle. Don't ignore their motivation. Worse, your life can be directed by trying to duplicate that epiphany when you first tasted something you loved. That, my friends, is the core of an addiction.
Relatively few of the addicts will repeatedly buy the same label and vintage. "This more expensive bottle over here could maybe duplicate my first love...."
Technically peoples' ears are unlikely to improve, but they can certainly be trained to hear things they never paid attention before.
Heard something similar from an experienced HI-Fi salesperson....people spending big on a turntable and cheaping out on the phono stage. They come back later and complain that the turntable just isn't as good as they thought it would be...
It somehow reminds me of role-playing video games. Similarly you have to make some decisions as the story progresses, but the funny part is, no matter which decision you make, you are always left with this thought 'how it would affect the story if I had done it differently'. I think it is the same with buying audio gear - you are so desperate to make the right choice (as if there was only one) you have to listen/ check all the possibilites to ease your mind somehow. However, given the fact that often different gear sound better at first try is simply because of the different prezentation. You jump to another dac or amp but as you get used to it, it no longer gives you this feeling and need for something new comes again. When I look at audio forums and threads full with almost new gear for sale I realize how much of a compulsive need to 'try everything and attack my senses' it is.
No I don't actually know what camera I want. The fear of the decision is pretty much the same. That being said I justify new audio purchases much easier, camera gear tends to have a much longer life for me
Very useful insights chaps
What everyone should remember is we are always being sold the next supposed best thing. Believe in what you have already particularly if it was highly revered and reviewed. New things definitely don't mean better. There is so much marketing and hype in audio. If you love your system just enjoy the music.
Buyers remorse and so much choice. Nothing ever sounds as fantastic as the next one "could".It drives the new purchase and that is how we end up with 8 pairs of speakers.
Superb video totally agree
Also I feel one developes an ear when one is 40-50 it takes time
I agree that some hi-fi enthuiasts think and feel that way, but for others it might not be fear but maybe more a desire to hear music in a space and tone (that's in our minds) and we want to try get as close to as possible...which is difficult because music making, recording and reproduction is at best a compromise where we listening to the presentation and tone that the musicians and recording engineers create. Sometimes it's pretty good (close to what we would like) and other times way off. So I guess getting a good system with the best tonal spacial musical balance is the quest. And only change if a component offers real personal improvement. Finally for others hi-fi is simply a hobby to explore sound reproduction and like our mood can change with the breeze. My only advice is trust only your own ears...as other people, friends, reviewers and sales people have their own ears, perspectives and missions.
I love this guy. I can easily see how he's stayed in business all these years. 👍
The problem with audiophilia is that when you get to a certain level you are basically comparing chocolate cake recipes. You've moved past cake vs pie, or chocolate cake vs carrot cake. Like Andrew says, there is probably nothing wrong with your current recipe. But it sure is fun to try different recipes.
I am really enjoying the sonics from my Madonna cds this Sunday. She worked with some really good producers. The mixes are pretty amazing over a good system. Great beats and grooves. Good lyrics too. Hard to just sit still. Gotta move to the music! Enjoying the music is what it is all about.
I think apart from cost, the concern that we have, i think, is linked to emotion. if you buy the wrong piece of gear the emotion you had or want to have from music may be lost.
Hey Steve, have you done a video on multi-room wireless systemts? I 've been reading about Bluesound vs Sonos vs everyone else. I'm reallly confused. I have a killer amp and two wired speakers. I just want to pipe music to other rooms without running wires. Any advice? Thanks
would love to see Woody Allen make a movie about Audiophiles. He'd be brilliant at it!!!
Andrew is right here, about making the correct decision the first time or upgrading what is needed, but money is always the driving factor and the economics of scale. In other words if I can wait on what I really want, it will eventually come down in price or there will be a sale on it and that is a reality, but at some point you have to get into the fray and make a decision. My thought process is to never buy brand new because of depreciation, I use this for cars, audio and camera lenses when possible. I believe in waiting to see if there is a sale on anything and if you have been a loyal customer of a local dealer you can often ask them to call you when the item is on sale or work with him on price and even when the item you want is replaced by a new one you can ask for a deal on it or the store demo.
Peoples fears are am I doing the right thing because it is a lot of money and what is coming out later. You can only work in the now and do your due diligence when making the purchase. Work on the weak points of your system and work on system synergy and speaker placement. Some dealers offer a service that they can come out to your house, for a fee and tweak your system as well. Take the time in making your purchase and don't look back to what could have been and enjoy what is. because of the relationship that I built with my dealer, I can walk into the store and walk out with products so that I can do a home evaluation.
Also Steve, the same thing occurs in photography with cameras, people generally agonize over their decision because they don't know what is coming and the forums and UA-cam are full of people having the same issues. For Fuji users, there is talk of a Fuji Xt4 coming in Feb or March and I have already heard the roar, I'm enjoying my Xt3 just fine. This is more of a personality trait than a Hobby trait and if you talk to those people you will find that these qualities follow them all the way through life.
someone is calling to change amp ;-)
🤔🤔🤔👍👍👌👌
Well I love this video it was more about therapy equipment makes you stop and think what do I really want in life? Very good Steve you're great mr. Singer a big fan of Steve and Catherine Costello..
💪 💪 👍 👍 👌 👌
To answer your question about tennis racquets....firstly the major companies 'update' their racquets yearly with supposedly new technologies. However, the pros are using racquets not 'off the shelf' and often 20+ years old (they almost never charge their entire careers).
So yes, marketing has people upgrading/changing their frames at least yearly. And then there's strings....think of that a bit like tube rolling (all the damn time) & restring as often as you can afford (cause your tube has had the gong).
Tennis nerds, gear fanatics....I don't think they feel it makes you play better...but just enjoy testing out and trying new gear!
I guess that's why it's so easy to sell vintage racquets.
I can remember seeing him Andrew Singer advertise in Stereophile back in the 90s,,,I so wanted so bad to go to new york and visit his store.
You experience this at all budget levels. One thing that would ease this paranoia, of not getting what sounds best in your room or missing out on the best within your budget, is if we could AUDITION (at almost no cost) at home the hi-fi pieces we are considering buying. The local hi-fi stores are almost gone, unless you live in cities like NY, LA , etc., you depend on written, online and UA-cam reviews. So, you get a piece of hi-fi and you always wonder if that well reviewed OTHER piece would sound better, what do you do? Buy compare, like or not like, sell, and so on in that cycle? I guess so....
Since 50 years enjoy my many systems once I deceide what i want I buy it and was happy it never came in my mind I should have got something else!
What a great guy !
Have you listened to any Wilson Benesch speakers if so I would like to hear your opinion
Overated. I found them bland in overall presentation. Use of carbon fibre in the case work. So many better brands out there. However, audition them for yourself and compare to counterparts. For me I would go PMC.
I bought some speakers right out of college and I really liked them but I got the upgrade bug a few years later. I went back to the same dealer to see what he would recommend and he told me to stick with what I have a few years longer and so I did. I still have them 20 years later. They are not the best I’ve ever heard but they are good enough to keep me from spending more money. However I do plan on upgrading them in the next couple of years.
I’ve been down this road .. hrs exactly right. Just
Enjoy the music and your system.
Usability and perceived quality is really the most important bit - A unit that sounds the same or even better as something else is ultimately worse if usability and quality feels worse. It's like a car where the doors don't work so you have to crawl in through the back seat. Not a good user experience.
Changing gear is also a (fu**ing expensive) learning experience for unteachable and masochistic children (like me)
Steve, most listeners, do not have a reference, do not know what they want, and, do not realize, the recordings are the limiting factor. To buy an amplifier, because the violin, on a specific recording, sounds better to them, will be a never ending road to take. Based on the microphones, their placement, and everything else involved, before the recording is released ( published, as you know, with your involvement with Chesky ), is the determining factor. This is why, most people listen for the wrong things. I am happy to discuss this with you. I wish you would visit me ( I am in Fl ), and, we can do a video, for your channel. Always, Dan
It’s the strife for perfection, I think.
This is "THE" best interview @steve Guttenberg
If you like your system right now. Take a long break from it and when you come back it will be new again
A classic!
Sometimes, it's not just about finding a better deal elsewhere. There is the buying experience and creating a relationship and the education and learning and membership that is created. Sometimes I am actually glad I bought something someplace and paid a bit more for it b/c membership has its privileges. Usually, sales persons at higher levels stand behind their products, provide better customer service, and want to make the buyer happy so they return. When something just lands from Amazon, it's kind of like, You figure it out.
As I try to teach my small children, Enjoy the Wow that's Happening Now! credits to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.
Once you have gear that's approximately matched, my opinion is that it's time to look at the room. Get a microphone, use REW to calculate equalizations and enjoy ... and learn the lessons that a) the room is a component, b) equalization is not a dirty word and c) you can't trust your ears to tell you what equalization will make the improvement.
HeHe… I've done that on the Palisades a few times. No Ferrari though.
I enjoyed hearing Me Singer's views. He can be a bit cynical, but there's some wisdom there. I hope you'll have more.
Years of listening to wealthy clients whine will make anyone a bit cynical
Tell me one thing...why Guttenberg has audio equipment for thousands of dollars if shit cheap equipment is enough ( as he said ) ?😐
The "what if I'm wrong" audiophile insecurity is why people need brick and mortar stores.
he HAS to chew while filming a video
I like to visit the store.
That fear is born from 2 things, first, it's s big move to spend the large cash, and for many of us we know going in that there is no way out of the move, selling will cost so much in depreciation and hassle and having coin for another unit will be far down the road, if at all. The other issue is from previous experience where a person, and sorry but honesty would say -everyone- has bought stuff in search of 'finally' getting the sound they seek and they get home and it still sucks... because their room sounds like shit and they know nothing about acoustics and that that is why everything they buy turns to tears.... and the purchase/fear syndrome gets even deeper.
ua-cam.com/video/z0xBWPHHzBw/v-deo.html
strange customers; brought his $49 CD player saying this is as good as anything ya got! weeks later brought in a $129 one. never saw him again.
Boy, for a Brit like me, this guy comes across as super arrogant. Sucking on a sweet (candy if you prefer ) while doing the interview got me going from the start. The message I got was, if you don't like it, tough, suck it up and stop whining, I'll sell ya something else and make even more money. Oh, and because I'm in New York I get loads of rich customers so I can afford a Ferrari and still be rude. He also shot down his own argument with the Ferrari, unlike Hifi (where once you have bought it it is worth next to nothing when you come to sell it) the Ferrari actually appreciates in value, so you can't really make a mistake. To most buyers, this equipment is really expensive and they are scared of making an expensive mistake which is all to easy to do.
I just build myself a new amplifier or preamp. Build myself that new speaker cabinet or swap out drivers construct a new crossover. Very inexpensive, very easy. Need a new phono stage build it from scratch need a new DAC build it.
Purchase Polk SDA speakers and found out they did not work well with my Carver receiver, just not right.
Ol Singer is pretty merciless isn't he?
We are enthusiasts constantly pushing our budget to achieve something special. We often can't afford to get it wrong and his attitude is 'suck it up audiophiles I bought my Ferrari at the right time!'
I have regrets about my system. I have a Rega planar 3 tt + Rega Elex r integrated amp + Kef ls50s . Some things sound great but mostly it's too bright and treble-ly (and I get fatigue after less than an hour.) I didn't hear anything first, I went off reviews and word of mouth, which was a big mistake I guess. Then I listened to my friend's tube amp with elac Vela speakers , and it sounded so lush and warm and smooth. Now I wish I had gotten a system like that
The turntable is fine the amp likely ok too BUT those speakers are too bright and glaring. I have them, used them with tube preamp, they just are like that. Vocals sound wonderful for example. Then the bass which has a huge hump and really "bass"ically suck. I suggest you find a nice soft warm speaker you like.
I second John Doe, I would try different speakers. I had 10 bookshelves speakers and I needed to decide my top 3. I did a battle of the speakers session one day and I was amazed at how all the speakers sounded so different in the same room using same equipment and music. I sold the 7 that lost. Not a very economical approach, but what else can we do? Not many shops offer FREE auditioning at home.
@@JohnDoe-np3zk is it weird that I'm worried I'll lose the crazy details and like you said vocal clarity of the LS50s? It's so funny that this video is literally what I'm going through with my system. So indecisive and worried instead of enjoying what I have
@@roig8578 which speakers won?
I guess that we all live and learn. Given that system synergy plays a big part in how the music sounds, I usually bring my entire system to the store when I audition a new piece of equipment. With my most recent purchase, I drove to the factory to listen to a pair of speakers. I brought my record player (Linn Sondek LP12), phono-amp, table, power-amp, speaker cables, spirit level (to set up my table). I thought that my power-amp was great, given that I couldn't tell the difference against amps costing 4 times the price. However, when I listened to the speakers with my amp, it sounded lousy compared to the power-amp that were in the demo system. Since the speakers could be customized, I ended up getting a new mono block power amps, installed within the speaker cabinet itself (3-way active system). While it may be an inconvenience bringing all you gear to the store, you walk away knowing that what you are getting makes your system better.
I'm glad I don't have loads of money . It can cause problems
I "upgraded" my speakers from a Edifier r2730db 3 way powered speakers to the Elac debut 2 b5.2. Bedroom system. I'm so sad ! no more sub bass. I'm going to change back and take a doucle loss.
Customers aren’t just strange. Strange may be a very kind word to describe how people behave as customers in stores. Just look at the bad Black Friday videos of people going wild.
Don't be a putts already shut up and enjoy! Keep them coming Steve Good job.
Then there’s the people like me who walks from room to room at a dealer or a show and goes.......nope,nope,nope,nope. Guys like me drive them nuts because nothing in their store sounds as good as peak systems. And money doesn’t buy it a lot of times. Your salesmanship doesn’t override my ears.
I didn't buy a Ferrari, but almost did. Decided on a 993 Porsche Turbo and it was my first Porsche. Sold it recently and made out like a bandit! I'm thinking the same kind of thing happened, when back in the mid nineties I decided to take my home stereo system up a notch. I bought a VAC PA 80 80 and ARC LS 15 pre amp to drive my Dunlavy SC III's. No longer have the Dunlavy's but still have my VAC & LS15
What would l have to pay today to upgrade
from those I wonder??