Unable to comprehend this mentality whatsoever- what is your goal?

[gadget73]

There was a hilarious TV segment a couple years back about the hobby of collecting VINTAGE WASHING MACHINES! Guys had basements full of antique'ish washers. The Holy Grail being the Speed Queen made by Alliance. Nope, no interest in DRYERS!

I think it was PT Barnum that said there is an a** for every seat. I ran across a series of videos on youtube from a guy who collected a specific brand of central vacuum cleaner from around the 1920s. Those big monster turbine things that lived in the basements of big fancy houses and hotels and such. People collect radios and farm tractors and coins and hifi and whatever else you can name.

 

[grey]

I seem to live in a void when it comes to being able to audition home hi-fi. That has improved over the last the last 20-30 years, but not by much. Being more experienced with car audio systems, I knew that there was something to be desired in woofers and bass. While I was happy, that's where the whole mess of endless experimenting with home hi-fi started. There has been some significant revelations since.

My only real goal that has somewhat been achieved is to have modular speakers and rack so parts can be swapped at will. Why? It's enjoyable to discover these nuances and technology is constantly changing. If a part fails and no longer available, I already have a substitute or different direction lined up.

 

[Blue Shadow]

I remember sitting and listening to platter mats one time. People that aren't audio nerds will think you're absolutely insane if you tell them this. We go "oh yeah, this mat is better than that on this because reasons" and it turns into a 15 page thread arguing the merits of isolation vs coupling and whatever else

This didn’t happen in the thread I wrote about our listening. Almost all of the ‘trip reports’ I post on our listening sessions go off page one with limited comments including the one on Sat Oct 25, —25. There were a few comments about mats but the multi-page reasons discussion was in other threads.

For that noisy Dinu Lapatti record, I was well off-axis from the tweeters, the noise didn’t bother me. Problem being the host and sitting off to the side letting others have the pound seats.

But all this points to Lux Man’s question. I open my home to others to haul over whatever chunk of gear they would like to share with others or hear on my rig because who knows what piece might make a significant improvement. Mark is always game to bring something over because as he said he knows I will have the cables to connect it.

Thain’s Bogen 225 has a nice warm sound, I could listen to that. The McIntosh 225 was way too mellow I would need Klipsch speakers to put some life into the music. I much preferred the Luxman tube amps but understand why others might like the McIntosh.

We have listened to phono stages, amps many times, platter mats (big difference on TD-160, not much on TD-125 and variable differences on KD-600, all with separate tonearms), speakers, cartridges and more, many times. Looking forward to the restored Marantz 7/8 combo we tried this week but it had been out of service long enough to need service before use. Original owner wanted to hear them and he will in a few weeks. I’ll compare them to the Luxman tube amps and some quality solid state watts.

Each of our listening sessions has brought good conversation, each person’s favorite jazz album and other music they may like but the whole group, maybe not, listening comparisons of all kinds of gear and source materials. Educational and I for sure like doing this whether it makes my rig better or worse. This worse, 4 watts per channel on DQ-10s, listen for sound quality, not volume. When it gets better, I try to move that way. If it makes it worse, I know where not to go, 4watts, tube or solid state isn’t quite enough for these speakers.

My rig didn’t suck 15 years ago when we started these gigs, I’m assuming cause folks came over when we did these as the Second Saturday Audio Fest, but it is a good bit better today and the core group is still at it with new folks replacing those that moved away.

 

[titanstats]

A guy I know has a nice system and he thinks it sounds wonderful however he still messes with it. If you are happy with what you have, why introduce a change and spend more money, more time if there is no goal in mind. I mean - just be content! Can't we just be satisfied? I am not even sure he knows what he is chasing.

On the other hand if I come to your house and your highs, or mid-range, or bass is just superb then I could very well have a new target to try to achieve. I wonder how many don't really have a "specific" audio sound or element of the sound they are chasing vs just randomly making changes hoping for some improvement but nothing specific?

I just have a fair selection of gear that I like, so now I cycle it through once in a while. It all sounds good, and I like the looks of them, so I change it up to use them.

 

[izeek11]

I was fortunate enough to hear a million dollar plus system. I’ll never be able to afford that. However, even if I’m happy with the sound of my system, I always am trying to get just a little more.

i had the same experience at caf 2023 and 24. it was surely fabulous.
and i still came away thinking my rig sounds pretty good. not 1+m good, but better than i thought.
you know that ol sayin " get in where you fit in? levels to erything.

 

[izeek11]

Exactly. My dishwasher works fine and I have no intention of modding it make it clean better as it's not a hobby.

can't imagine a dishwasher hobby.

 

[jayvis]

If I really want it, I buy it. When I get tired of it, I replace it. Rinse and repeat. The only thing I've ever acquired with the intent to keep forever was my lovely wife.

 

[titanstats]

can't imagine a dishwasher hobby.

Well apparently there’s different strokes…

 

[lini]

Going by the vibe I get that's 80-90% of AK members.

Not sure, whether that's actually true.

I realize very few agree with me, but my point is, to make changes without a specific goal. It’s like throwing you know what against the wall and hoping something will stick and smell better than it did. I am as guilty as anyone regarding this issue but I feel like I’ve realized the approach I’ve taken is not a good one.

Well, I'd cetainly agree, that random tinkering wouldn't appear to be the smartest approach, if one is looking for a specific improvement. However, I think quite a lot of AKers also simply are curious - or more specifically curious about certain new gear (be that new on the market or just new to them). You know, like for example as in: "Alright, I'll bite and also grab one of these cheap, new Fosi XYZs - just to check for myself, whether these actually are as good everyone says."

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[whoaru99]

Not sure, whether that's actually true.

It's just the vibe/feeling I get here. I think something like that in the context isn't necessarily subject to a high degree of statistical confidence to say it.

 

[Lux Man]

One of the traps I have fallen into is the fallacy that if I spend more I will get more. This trap or belief was far more prevalent in my early days because I just didn't know better. Just because a new amp (applies to all equipment) is 5x the cost of what I have does not mean it will sound better. Now if I split hairs on that point, one of you might think it does sound better but our own ears are the ones that matter.

 

[Lux Man]

HUM- thought just in.

If your system is "way" low on the food chain then it is more likely that any reasonable upgrade will be noticeable and will be a pleasant improvement. On the other hand, the higher up the audio food chain you are already- squeezing more improvements will require a different approach. "Hit or miss and hope" would not be my recommendation if time and money is a concern.

 

[2FarGone]

HUM- thought just in.

If your system is "way" low on the food chain then it is more likely that any reasonable upgrade will be noticeable and will be a pleasant improvement. On the other hand, the higher up the audio food chain you are already- squeezing more improvements will require a different approach. "Hit or miss and hope" would not be my recommendation if time and money is a concern.

As always, it depends. Whether by design or accident, if you happen to hit on a weak link the results can be pretty dramatic.

 

[jrtrent]

HUM- thought just in.

If your system is "way" low on the food chain then it is more likely that any reasonable upgrade will be noticeable and will be a pleasant improvement. On the other hand, the higher up the audio food chain you are already- squeezing more improvements will require a different approach. "Hit or miss and hope" would not be my recommendation if time and money is a concern.

Grey mentioned "I seem to live in a void when it comes to being able to audition home hi-fi." For most of my hi-fi listening life, I lived in the opposite condition, with several excellent dealers nearby where you could audition to your heart's content or borrow floor samples to hear exactly how they worked in your own system and space. There was none of the "randomly making changes hoping for some improvement" aspect to the hobby because you could hear exactly what effect your purchase would have before spending any money. Contentment was possible even when starting from scratch; you could buy a system and just enjoy it until it broke down because the shopping/auditioning process had already satisfied your curiosity about other options and assured you that the gear you bought was the gear best suited for your taste and budget.

My circumstances are completely different now--over 2000 miles from my former haunts, living in a small town with no hi-fi stores, and no longer even owning a car to drive to a big city to check things out. With mail-order purchases now my only avenue for seeing and handling gear options, I'm seeing the appeal to just budgeting for and regularly bringing in different products that seem interesting. Whether it's an actual improvement or not, the entertainment value of trying something different might be worth the money spent, and maybe I'll hit upon items that strike me as things I could love forever (however long that is for someone who is already a senior citizen).

 

[RT Fan]

To be honest I am too busy listening to music and enjoying my system than to worry about tinkering with it. The last change I made to my system was when I had to replace my aging cd player with a new one. That was 2 years ago. Prior to that I changed my amp/pre setup and modestly upgraded some older cables but that is about it. While i love the gear, I simply have more than is needed, especially after giving up our apartment in the city and moving full time to our house. In 2 weeks I will be giving a Rotel 1055 cdp and a pair of EPI speakers to my friend’s son, who is a student at Berkeley in Boston. He grew up with stereo equipment and will appreciate it. Lighten the load here and have it go to a gifted musician. That will make me happier than a new piece of gear.

 

[hemiram]

My audio hobby "lust" has faded along with all the high end of my right ear. What's the point. It looks like my insurance will cover the balloon eustation tube procedure I need to fix it, and something tells me my bank balance will end up being the same as it would have been if I had to pay out of pocket. If it works, that is. If I hold my nose and gently blow, my right ear comes alive, and it's like someone has cranked the treble from -12 to +12. It's almost shrill to me, but I know that I used to have fantastic hearing.

 

[BrocLuno]

I'm over 3/4 of a century. Been chasing "better sound" since I was 7'ish with an old tube table radio. Actually worked in the recording industry in the 70's. Have heard some remarkable systems here and there. Have built some good stuff, and rebuilt some vintage stuff to pretty good standards. Have had a LOT of gear pass through the door and into my "eval system" upstairs. The one I use to preview used vinyl and tapes.

I may be getting near the end of the swap-a-rama. Ears are fading slowly. Tinnitus has set in. And my new Advance Paris A-10 Classic is pretty darn good. Could I best it - maybe ... Do I want to - no. This thing delivers all my ears can hear. The noise floor is below perceptible. The headphone circuit is very good. And it will take years to learn all it's secrets, if I ever do ...

I have recently given away 3 car loads of audio stuff. Nothing high end except for some tape systems. They all went to a place where they'll be cleaned and tweaked and brought up to snuff for a new owner who wants that stuff. I have what I need and a few spares.

But I would never question anyone chasing "magic". Been there, done that. Synergy is real. Have experienced it a few too many times to doubt. And when it hits it'll raise the audio experience to a whole nuther level.

Seems there are two ways to audio satisfaction. You can buy your way in with a lot of previewing and having a pro help get you there while your checkbook takes a substantial hit. Or you can get there by mix & match and experimentation. I chose the latter route, as many do, maybe the majority here on AK ...

 

[lokerola]

We forever tinker and add to whatever our hobbies are.

My Dad was a cabinet builder for years and now he builds acoustic guitars in retirement. He's got all sorts of custom templates, router jigs, special planes, on and on.

Some of my friends are into D&D and have bookshelves lined with painted minis, game books, and cool D&D knick knacks.

Coffee folks have espresso machines, various portafilters, tampers, grinders, on and on.

And all of the companies that sell things related to those hobbies are experts at targeted marketing and selling. And typically we want to buy new, fun, hobby things that make us happy.

Let's face it, many times we claim that "we hate advertising and being sold to", but we'll happily buy a new phono cart, record pressing, cable, amp, whatever, to enjoy our hobby.

Whether it's audio, cars, bikes, D&D, or coffee - we're happy little consumers and for the most part it's a small part of what makes life fun and I'm all for it.

There is a dark side to consumerism (are you putting your family in debt, buying for the sake of hoarding, etc), but I'd guess most people are not in that sort of situation.

So I say, tinker away! And if a new amp makes you happy - go for it.

 

[OBMG74]

I think that is great that hobbies are still alive, no matter what they are.

I like looking at old Popular Science and Mechanics magazines showing projects for Dad to tinker with after supper in the basement or workshop.

Or the living room with hi-fi equipment.

I’m a tinkerer and spend more time than money on my stereo set-ups.
Not chasing the perfect sound, just a sound that is pleasing to my ears, which for the most part I have accomplished.

But…I wonder if…?

 

[gadget73]

Sometimes there is also just a need to solve a problem, and tinkering with things can scratch that itch. There is learning involved too, and that can also be deeply satisfying.