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What have you learned from AK?

909Hemi

909Hemi

Active Member
I'm still "New", and I've learned a LOT of stuff, like:

1. Cables matter, and "NO", that does'nt mean changing out my 18Ga. Radio Shack speaker wire for 16Ga. Radio Shack speaker wire...

2. Room setup is important. Not just "kind of" important, but VERY important!

3. Adjusting my Bass/Treble/Balance just once after I got everything set into place used to be my "Norm". What an idiot I was... there's SO much more!

4. Even with my rebuilt and re-capped SX-780 coming, my equipment is **** compared to 99% of you current AK'ers.

5. Educated, technical guys like the one's found here at AK CAN RARELY AGREE ON ANYTHING. Any cable, any manufacturer, any setup!

6. I learned about DAC's and digital audio. I'm looking forward to getting that set up as a 3nd system this year.

7. I learned that tubes and vinyl are hot as ever.

8. I unplugged my Audio system components power from the power strip it shared with (whatever crap), and dedicated it's own outlet with a Tripplite conditioner... for Audio only!

9. Lastly: I learned that placing felt under speakers and components is a pretty good idea... I upped that by using pea-sized bubble wrap instead.

What have YOU learned?
 
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1. How little money it costs to put together a very good sounding system.
2. How much can be spent for marginal improvements.
3. My Expectation biases affect what I perceive much more than I thought.
 
Most importantly... it only really matters if it sounds good to YOU!

Throwing $$$ at something is not always the best solution to better sound...

If you get too wrapped up in chasing gear (which I am guilty of), you begin to lose focus on the real target... enjoying the music...
 
There are fellow stereo/music lovers out there even if there aren't any in your circle of friends.
 
1. It's always wise to check DC offset on new arrivals.
2. I'm completely uninterested in tube gear. I'm a solid state person.
3. It's fun to experiment with exotic brands no one knows a thing about
4. It's good to google first, ask questions later. Many people don't.
 
That in some cases proper terminology is thoroughly discounted (not talking about newbies) i.e. I ohmed my speakers. Did you also foot your livingroom?
 
I've learned that there are an amazing number of audiophiles ready and willing to share their knowledge - and sometimes parts - with those who need a bit of understanding, assistance, education, and just a general helping hand.

Closer to home, there's quite a group of good guys right here in Colorado who like to get together and shoot the bull in person...even if it has nothing to do with JBL...

Happy trails,
Larry B.
 
Learned how to refoam speakers.
That capacitors usually need to be changed in older electronics.
What speakers and equipment to look for.
How to properly place speakers.
How speakers and crossovers work.

I could go on and on, but yes I have learned a lot.
 
The most important things I've learned:

1) If I didn't ask you to pay for my system, I feel you should have no say in how I assemble my system.

I bought a set of speakers/amp/cartridge/cable/room you think is too expensive? Tough, I didn't ask you to pay for them.

2) There is zero difference in my system and how I enjoy it when somebody else does something to theirs.

You bought a SX-780? Didn't change how I enjoy my system.

You bought $1 million power cord? Didn't change how I enjoy my system.

You believe cable/capacitor/speaker/coffee table break-in matters? Didn't change how I enjoy my system.

You believe science, measurement, blind tests are the only true road to sonic nirvana? Didn't change how I enjoy my system.

I am the only one in control of my system, I am the only one who needs to be satisfied with my system.
 
909Hemi said:
5. Educated, technical guys like the one's found here at AK CAN RARELY AGREE ON ANYTHING. Any cable, any manufacturer, any setup!
Click to expand...

Not sure I agree with this. If you'd said "the guys here on AK with lots of experience in the hobby" (especially those who have moved beyond the vintage realm) rather than ""educated, technical guys like the one's (sic) found here on AK" then I'd absolutely be in disagreement.

I can't say that's necessarily the case throughout the entire audio community, however.

-Michael
 
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What I HAVE LEARNED FROM AK

A lot! Which stylus and needle to use for my Sansui TT, which R2R's were good candidates for me to purchase, how to clean a vinyl record, and most importantly, to come to AK whenever I am in over my head. I have a question re two more TT's that need stylus and cart. Soo... I just started a new thread to get advice. My first thread. AK is a great investment. Oh! Everyone has been great to me, and I truly appreciate it.:music:
 
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