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What have you learned from AK?

I learned how to clean the laser lens on my old Sansi CD player, now it works perfectly.
I learned how to replace the belts on my old Teac tape deck, now it works like new.
I learned how to replace the foam on my old Advent speakers, now they sound great.
I learned how to clean vinyl, now my LPs sound ... well ... better.
I learned how to bypass the power switch on my old Sansui receiver, now it works again.

AK is excellent!
(but I still think some of you are wrong about interconnects)
 
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Lot's of stuff from very knowledgeable Aker's. Most importantly ;

1. Capacitance and the fine tuning of a M97xE.

2. Grado Prestige + 8MZ=beautiful music.

3. How much better a record sounds cleaned on a Vac RCM.
 
1) Not all tracks are recorded the same way some are good and some are terrible.. so the music may suck regardless of the quality of your source lol
2) Concrete Blocks make really good speaker stands for less then $15!
3) Both Vintage and Modern gear has it's pros and cons.
 
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned electrical contact cleaner/Deoxit. It's "fixed" more than one piece of my gear, as well as a couple of home appliances. I figure AK has saved me at least a grand in appliance repairs alone, which I promptly spent on more gear and media here (via Barter Town).
 
JPMacG said:
I learned how to clean the laser lens on my old Sansui CD player, now it works perfectly.
Click to expand...

Sigh....rats... Is this something I should do too, even if I'm not having any player issues?

Right now I'm in the middle or removing all of the CD's from my player, cleaning them with a 50/50 solution of plastic lens cleaner and distilled water, and carefully replacing them into all 300 of their slots.
No "Dancing Banana" here :no:

Dammit: knowledge sucks! :yes:
 
Listening to what others have to say here at AK and filtering it thru my own experience has allowed me to build a better system without undue expense or difficulty. It's not perfect but it can suprize me every time I fire it up and it can only get better with further interaction with this group.:thmbsp::banana::music:

Jeffery said:
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.
Click to expand...
 
909Hemi said:
What have YOU learned?
Click to expand...

- That everything is discussable and everyone has an opinion.

- That this forum is full of people that are extremely skilled and helpful - and are willing to share their knowledge.

Most important lessons I learned here:

- Everything I KNOW will probably change next month when I have read more.
- Don't talk about speaker wire.
 
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I have learned speakers no one else wants cause the foam needs replaced or other repairs are needed can be a real bargan.

The people here can give some very good advice and I should listen to them.

Cats love audio as much as people do.

I have more equipment than I will ever use, or need. But I'm not alone.

It only matters that I like what I hear, not what any one else likes.

I learned I like vintage. In this matter I'm also not alone.

This list could go on and on, but I don't have time for that. Got to get back to listening to some music. :D
 
I learned that supporting this site by 25 bucks a year is by far the most inexpensive , effective tweak I ever made.
 
I'd been involved in the audio hobby for many years before joining the AK community, but I've still learned a thing or two here.

- The Ikea Expedit is a great LP storage solution.

- Heathkit solid-state gear from the 1970s is worth seeking out and restoring.

- An 8MZ V stylus will take a humble Grado Prestige cartridge to a very high performance level.

- Not everybody finds wow and flutter in a turntable as off-putting as I do. Many audiophiles can't hear it, perhaps because they listen to music that masks it better than the classical music that I prefer.

- Not many audiophiles understand how digital audio works. This leads some of them to make ridiculous statements about it in an attempt to justify their preference for analog audio with their distorted version of "science."

- Music matters, even to the AK'ers who spend more time in the equipment forums than the music forums. Our love of music is arguably the greatest thing we have in common.
 
I've learned many things, including the word "scroe" ;-)

Would it's antonym be "scrod"?

PS: I'll renew my subscription when all the snow is gone from my yard.
 
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1.) That the members here are more than willing & perfectly capable of spending your money on equipment.
2.) That Barter Town is a dangerous place for your wallet and that really good deals appear there with great frequency.
3.) Some of you have great taste in music. :D
4.) More of you should subscribe and support AK.
 
This is a great place to hang out. I still don't know diddly about fixin' and tweakin' stuff but I do know what to look for if'n I'm out thriftin'... I learned I care much much much less about the how's and why's as I just want to turn my music ON. I know if I have a problem or a stupid question I can post it and it will be answered shortly with no attitude. I know the mods here are the bizz-omb.
I don't care about cables; or new versus vintage. I enjoy discovering new music here.

Yeah. Just a great place to hang out and let yer freak flag fly.


:)


Matt
 
"I am still learning." ― Michelangelo (1582) at age 87

This is an abridged version of some philosophical waxing I posted last summer in another thread, after realizing I had spent five years hanging around here learning a lot from the cognoscenti (and putting my foot in my mouth, too):

DC said:
I've learned that first impressions are best balanced with long-term listening. I've learned the usefulness of room treatments in order to get better performance from one's gear. I've learned the advantages of clean records, especially as one's system becomes more revealing. I've had my mind opened to the reality that cables can make a difference and I've learned that I should keep my connectors clean. I've expanded my musical interests and discovered new artists. I've learned that just because something or someone gets rave reviews does not mean I'll like it or them. I've come to accept that just because we cannot measure or otherwise quantify something does not necessarily mean we cannot hear or otherwise qualify it. I've learned to appreciate the flair for DIY that exists here and I stand in awe of some of the talent on display. I've learned that something seemingly small can make a big impact. ... I've learned I don't have any time for purists and Zealots. I've come to admire those who are respectful of others' ideas, patient with others' questions, and mindful of what they say. I've learned to try to take a moment of thought before I click <submit> and sometimes better judgment becomes my ally. I've been inspired by the generosity shown by numerous members and I've tried to give back when I can.
Click to expand...

I hope it is in keeping with the spirit of this thread, too.
 
I've learned about restoring and refurbishing vintage equipment, have learned how to evaluate audio gear, have learned what brands to watch out for, and I have learned about many obscure pieces.

I have also learned that it is possible to stay civil and enjoy a great hobby together with many, many people, so long as some topics are not spoken of. :D
 
I learned about the clear and obvious advantages of multiple subs. Which I'm glad to see is slowly gaining ground on AK.

Marc mc
 
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