After 25+ years, feeling discouraged and thinking of giving up the chase.
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shelly_d
Not An Audiophool
Thanks Art.
It looks like a joke from an audio magazine when I spell it out:
"These new speakers are making my ears hurt."
"It's your music collection"
You are right. Some of the replys did read like that.
Shelly_D
canuckaudiog
On a quest for high fidelity
Brett,
Coincidentally I was in this position about 2 weeks ago. I started to feel fed up like I spent all this time, money and energy and nothing to really show for it. Like at this point I should have an incredible stereo system, but I don't feel that way about it.
An easy solution is getting more music. Music can be expensive though and an album is only just over an hour (usually), but this is definitely a good idea.
I think a good idea is to spend some time with a stereo you have little to no expectations of and just focus on the music. Heck focus on the sound if you want. Listening to different systems, especially those you don't expect much from, I find is very rewarding. I always enjoy music through my $30 Sony headphones at work. Why? I expect nothing from them and instead focus on the music.
I think the real issue is your expectations of your system do not line up with what you are actually receiving. I've got the same problem and I empathize. What I'm doing is setting up a stereo that may not be hi fi, but it doesn't make me think about the sound and instead let's me focus on the music. I am of course going to keep my other reference system but I think I will only use that for big dynamics, certain recordings, for a baseline, etc. For every day listening I am going to use a system designed only to be pleasing, not to be hi fi.
This thread is really long and I didn't read most of it so I apologize if I'm just repeating. However being in a similar position to you I thought I would chime in.
Hope you get your issues sorted out soon and I hope what I said helps.
Jeffrey
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Coincidentally I was in this position about 2 weeks ago. I started to feel fed up like I spent all this time, money and energy and nothing to really show for it. Like at this point I should have an incredible stereo system, but I don't feel that way about it.
An easy solution is getting more music. Music can be expensive though and an album is only just over an hour (usually), but this is definitely a good idea.
I think a good idea is to spend some time with a stereo you have little to no expectations of and just focus on the music. Heck focus on the sound if you want. Listening to different systems, especially those you don't expect much from, I find is very rewarding. I always enjoy music through my $30 Sony headphones at work. Why? I expect nothing from them and instead focus on the music.
I think the real issue is your expectations of your system do not line up with what you are actually receiving. I've got the same problem and I empathize. What I'm doing is setting up a stereo that may not be hi fi, but it doesn't make me think about the sound and instead let's me focus on the music. I am of course going to keep my other reference system but I think I will only use that for big dynamics, certain recordings, for a baseline, etc. For every day listening I am going to use a system designed only to be pleasing, not to be hi fi.
This thread is really long and I didn't read most of it so I apologize if I'm just repeating. However being in a similar position to you I thought I would chime in.
Hope you get your issues sorted out soon and I hope what I said helps.
Jeffrey
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Art K.
The Voodoo You Do!
Funny audio related typo. I am at work and had support staff approach at just that moment and "horizons" turned into "surroundings". At least that is a brand/distributor that knows I have their name.
It's been a day...
Brett a
~◦●○o0o○●◦~
Yes. The integrated has external jumpers between pre and amp(s). I could put some kind of tone control in there. I am curiois aboit the room correction systems that sometimes get mentioed. (Earlier in this thread even). I don't have any EQing gear on hand though.
But I already have a pair of subs in my system.
As I've said several time in this thread, the issue is that my system causes my ears to hurt; it puts me in physical pain. I don't understand what that has to do with expectations.
Yes, I did find it funny. And I know they were trying to help. But it was not my intention to hurt anyone. I didn't thik it was such a terrible thing to make light of. It's impossible to know sometimes what people are going to react to.
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I got nothing for ya Brett, I know sometimes I could throw everything into the Hillsborough River(about 100 ft from my back door) and then other times I can't get enough of it.
I know you as very analytical,so I am guessing this is playing apart in your dismay.
Wish I could be of more help,Bro,
Alan
I know you as very analytical,so I am guessing this is playing apart in your dismay.
Wish I could be of more help,Bro,
Alan
Brett a
~◦●○o0o○●◦~
Thanks Alan.
I think maybe this thread has run it's course. I really appreciate everyone's helpful motivations. And I've have gotten some clarity and ideas from it all.
Thanks again, everyone.
:thmbsp:
oneinchside
Openly Baffled
After reading (almost) all of this, Brett, relax and just breathe.
This too shall pass (the 20 pages of ideas as well)
If I actually tried to give you audio advice it'd be like Richard Simmons trying to tell Clint Eastwood how to play a tough guy. You know what you like, I think you've heard plenty of flea systems, monster SS setups and esoteric audio that'd make Esoteric Audio sit up and take notice. But everybody gets tired.
For me B&W's always seemed too harsh and clinical... but they sound like your comfort zone. I think your idea to move up the line may be a good one. And if you really wanna scale back to a console (I thought that was a cool idea) for a while, lemme know- you can try my open baffles for as long as you want and then pick up something better. I know you won't stick with OB's for long- maybe not even an hour. But they're cheap, easy and sure aren't boxy.
Anyhow, if those are too harsh, might I suggest a set of classic Fishers-- heck, there might not be anything less harsh. Most things seem less harsh with no sound above, oh, 1200hz.
I'm looking forward to some kind of a "hey I just heard this, and it was fun!!!" kinda post. It'll come I guess, all in good time.
This too shall pass (the 20 pages of ideas as well)
If I actually tried to give you audio advice it'd be like Richard Simmons trying to tell Clint Eastwood how to play a tough guy. You know what you like, I think you've heard plenty of flea systems, monster SS setups and esoteric audio that'd make Esoteric Audio sit up and take notice. But everybody gets tired.
For me B&W's always seemed too harsh and clinical... but they sound like your comfort zone. I think your idea to move up the line may be a good one. And if you really wanna scale back to a console (I thought that was a cool idea) for a while, lemme know- you can try my open baffles for as long as you want and then pick up something better. I know you won't stick with OB's for long- maybe not even an hour. But they're cheap, easy and sure aren't boxy.
Anyhow, if those are too harsh, might I suggest a set of classic Fishers-- heck, there might not be anything less harsh. Most things seem less harsh with no sound above, oh, 1200hz.
I'm looking forward to some kind of a "hey I just heard this, and it was fun!!!" kinda post. It'll come I guess, all in good time.
ofajen
Daddy-O-Daddy-O-Baby
Sorry, I just saw the Focals mentioned as "currently." I probably missed it among, lo, these many pages, eh?
Otto
Brindabella
Well-Known Member
Brett, it is a shame you find yourself in this situation, given the energy and commitment you have dedicated to your audio hobby, given the quality of the individual components, considerations to room treatments, funding your passion and your love of music; it is a cruel irony that you have been rewarded with a listening experience that is too painful to enjoy. I really feel for ya, it must feel like your soul is not getting nourished in that way only beautiful sounding music can.
Regardless, I hope you find a resolution soon.
Regardless, I hope you find a resolution soon.
Genez
New Member
Have you ever considered setting up a smaller, high-end system on your desktop for nearfield listening? Audiophile small speakers. Excellent, but less power amplification. Cables should be the best. Everything smaller and less. You will need to tweak like crazy to get the speakers set just right. But, it can be an eye opener when done right.
Gene.
KeninDC
Hazy Cosmic Jive
Brett:
I think part of the problem is that you are busy with work/life.
When I'm busy with work, I expect my short listening sessions to be mind blowing and, of course, they rarely are. It is as if I'm trying to pack a 4 hour music session into one 20 minute side of an LP. It can't be done.
I know we say it all the time, but it really is about the music. Through the magic of the Internet, you've made me listen to the claps that hang out in the middle of the sound stage on "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" every time I put on that Traffic album.
Ken
I think part of the problem is that you are busy with work/life.
When I'm busy with work, I expect my short listening sessions to be mind blowing and, of course, they rarely are. It is as if I'm trying to pack a 4 hour music session into one 20 minute side of an LP. It can't be done.
I know we say it all the time, but it really is about the music. Through the magic of the Internet, you've made me listen to the claps that hang out in the middle of the sound stage on "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" every time I put on that Traffic album.
Ken
Dr. Morbius
I.N.T.E.R.O.C.I.T.O.R.
Brett, I think there are a couple of reasons you are getting replies that address other concerns than the real physical pain you are in since you got the Focal 807W speakers.
#1 People's reading and comprehension skills aren't what they used to be.
#2 These early posts plus the title of the thread lend themselves to more of a psychological problem, such as burnout.
If the problem truly exists within the Focals, then you already know the answer. It is odd though that you were able to take them home on loan for a period of about 2 weeks and didn't notice this before the purchase. Hopefully it's just the speakers and not a medical condition.
#1 People's reading and comprehension skills aren't what they used to be.
#2 These early posts plus the title of the thread lend themselves to more of a psychological problem, such as burnout.
If the problem truly exists within the Focals, then you already know the answer. It is odd though that you were able to take them home on loan for a period of about 2 weeks and didn't notice this before the purchase. Hopefully it's just the speakers and not a medical condition.
Snoober
Dysthymic
My interest in audio wanes and waxes over time. I think of selling things off when it wanes but I have stopped myself from doing so some time ago. I'm really glad when months pass, I get a sudden urge to hear some music and the system, sitting idle for all that time, rocks out. It's great! Just be gentle with yourself, allow time away: the stereo will be there when you are ready. It's amazing how good one's hifi can sound on returning to it when it hasn't been listened to for a period of time.
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lico
Super Member
To the OP - I'll be a kibitzer here, as usual 
, and tell you what works for me.
I used to fuss a lot about gear, sometimes big gear, big speakers, getting my old vinyl sounding good because I could, whatever, working on the room treatments as well. Fun while it lasted, but kind of a waste of time looking back.
I don't do that much anymore, now I tend to look what works in a small system with digital sources that blends into a listening space and room and offers good sound. Much easier to deal with.
Your first post posed a question and a statement... something that resonates with what I have learned over the past few years.
"And for the amount of time I spend listing to music (not much), it's hard to justify it taking up half the living room."
Well... it shouldn't take over half the living room IMO. When it does then the frustration begins. It isn't the speakers fault.
I do like your "ecclectic" taste in music, much of what you have posted is what I listen to reviewing that thread.
, and tell you what works for me. I used to fuss a lot about gear, sometimes big gear, big speakers, getting my old vinyl sounding good because I could, whatever, working on the room treatments as well. Fun while it lasted, but kind of a waste of time looking back.
I don't do that much anymore, now I tend to look what works in a small system with digital sources that blends into a listening space and room and offers good sound. Much easier to deal with.
Your first post posed a question and a statement... something that resonates with what I have learned over the past few years.
"And for the amount of time I spend listing to music (not much), it's hard to justify it taking up half the living room."
Well... it shouldn't take over half the living room IMO. When it does then the frustration begins. It isn't the speakers fault.
I do like your "ecclectic" taste in music, much of what you have posted is what I listen to reviewing that thread.
michaelhigh
mind's eye music
I've never been without music. Old music new music red music blue music. SS, tubes, horns, soft tweeters, nothing pleases me more than new artists proving that music will never die.
Reliving glory days with my drum corps alumni, hanging out at local open mics, watching vids of my rock performances, I could NEVER disavow my history with music.
I live and learn as I go. I don't spend thousands (well maybe I do), but my money is well-spent, and I appreciate my effort every single day. I LOVE my rigs.
Forget music long enough to miss it. Look for new inspiration in exciting sounds outside your realm once you return. I'm really trying to comprehend how someone could so meticulously build a system, so pragmatically, then have a gross realization that their speakers don't make it.
For YOUR sake, for your own peace of mind, let music rest for awhile. It will be there when you get back. Go do a bunch of pedestrian stuff, outside the artistic aesthetic, and see how soon the cravings turn to action and reaction. And then get back into music.
Reliving glory days with my drum corps alumni, hanging out at local open mics, watching vids of my rock performances, I could NEVER disavow my history with music.
I live and learn as I go. I don't spend thousands (well maybe I do), but my money is well-spent, and I appreciate my effort every single day. I LOVE my rigs.
Forget music long enough to miss it. Look for new inspiration in exciting sounds outside your realm once you return. I'm really trying to comprehend how someone could so meticulously build a system, so pragmatically, then have a gross realization that their speakers don't make it.
For YOUR sake, for your own peace of mind, let music rest for awhile. It will be there when you get back. Go do a bunch of pedestrian stuff, outside the artistic aesthetic, and see how soon the cravings turn to action and reaction. And then get back into music.
LazySounds
Active Member
This thread resonates with me as well, I truly lost interest in my stereo.
So I sold my speakers (Cerwin Vega XLS12's) they were a mistake and they had really taken all the fun out of music, try as I might to enjoy them, they just had to go.
I then decided that "some day" I would put some serious effort (lots of research and auditioning), and a bit of money in to replacing them.
I then bought a Bose SoundLink Mini bluetooth speaker, I was very happy just listening to all my music through that humble little speaker, because I knew that it was only temporary, because "some day" I was going to get serious again.
I also felt absolutely no pressure to start looking for new speakers as I was perfectly happy with my little bluetooth speaker.
4 months passed, then the urge hit me, so I spent the next 4 months auditioning and comparing, and researching, no rush, because I was perfectly happy with my bluetooth speaker.
I have had my new Monitor Audio RX6's for 3 months now, I love them so so so much.
I can't see my self changing gear for quite some time, years probably.
So I sold my speakers (Cerwin Vega XLS12's) they were a mistake and they had really taken all the fun out of music, try as I might to enjoy them, they just had to go.
I then decided that "some day" I would put some serious effort (lots of research and auditioning), and a bit of money in to replacing them.
I then bought a Bose SoundLink Mini bluetooth speaker, I was very happy just listening to all my music through that humble little speaker, because I knew that it was only temporary, because "some day" I was going to get serious again.
I also felt absolutely no pressure to start looking for new speakers as I was perfectly happy with my little bluetooth speaker.
4 months passed, then the urge hit me, so I spent the next 4 months auditioning and comparing, and researching, no rush, because I was perfectly happy with my bluetooth speaker.
I have had my new Monitor Audio RX6's for 3 months now, I love them so so so much.
I can't see my self changing gear for quite some time, years probably.
LordOfTRings
Be Cool with the Blues
Listen mister; I checked and read the entire thread, and if you feel insulted it's your problem, not mine!
I gave you some very friendly suggestions, it's up to you what you do and how you perceive them at the end.
Now if you'd excuse me I'm out of this thread, and for good!
P.S. Get your ears examined, that might be your real problem. And Art; you too read me completely wrong!
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LordOfTRings
Be Cool with the Blues
Soundminded is an excellent person, and he would never insult anyone!
For you to see bad in people is a bigger problem than get annoyed by listening to music after 25+ years, I believe.
And I truly hope you think first before saying stuff like that towards others.
Because again you are completely off track!
LordOfTRings
Be Cool with the Blues
Thanks Art.
It looks like a joke from an audio magazine when I spell it out:
"These new speakers are making my ears hurt."
"It's your music collection"
Again, the joke is only you buddy; you started this thread right?
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