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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> So it turns out that I am delusional
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Message started by Donnie on 07/07/26 at 01:35:29

Title: So it turns out that I am delusional
Post by Donnie on 07/07/26 at 01:35:29

So I'm stuck in a world of delusion, and more than likely you are too.
At least according to the Forum members at Audio Science Review.

I have been reading their forums for a while now, just lurking, not commenting at all.

So it turns out that all "Properly Designed" amplifiers should sound the same, as do DAC's or any other digital devices.
Of course vinyl and any form of tape are completely beneath contempt and not worthy of mentioning in any serious discussion.

If you think that anything sounds better or more pleasing, well you are delusional.
It turns out that we only think something sounds better is because we paid too much for it.
Speaking about costs, it turns out that more or less the entire high fidelity industry is some sort of organized syndicate that is only here to take money from all of us gullible suckers.

From what I gather they only listen to test tones in double blind testing, that sounds like a fun night of listening to me!

I've also learned that unless you have a 500 watt Class D amplifier pumping out 110dB, you aren't hearing music as it should be listened.
It also turns out that Amazon basic cables sound exactly the same as any cables that you have. I must not only be delusional but deaf too.

Anyway, if you can't measure it you sure can't hear it.
Funny thing is that I don't listen to test tones.

Sorry a quick edit from me on this.
I've been able to spend on my system from money I made as an Engineer.
The only Engineering rule that I know is 100% correct is that there are no absolutes in Engineering.

Title: Re: So it turns out that I am delusional
Post by MM on 07/07/26 at 02:29:44

Well yes, I can accept that. I am fairly delusional.

I suppose in a perfect world everything “should” be to my like. Should but not ought. And as far as price goes, diminishing returns are a real thing. I think that’s an exponential curve with price growing exponentially for relatively minor improvements in sound quality.

I have also used test tones to find nulls in bass response. I agree that it’s not fun but the sacrifice is worth the reward once you nail the crossover frequency or room treatment.

In fact, just this weekend I found myself needing to connect my television to my Decware amp because my new streamer doesn’t have digital inputs, and I found an Amazon basics 1/8” headphone to RCA cord in a tote in a box in the garage that did the trick. And I have to admit that more than once during the film I said, “Holy spit, this sounds amazing!”

The hifi industry may even be an organized syndicate. I certainly can’t rationalize most of it. Especially when some live singer with a beat up $200 Yamaha acoustic guitar can sound better live than my stereo does at home. But hell. I certainly enjoy this vice. And that’s what it’s all about. Bringing all those performances here when I can’t be there.

And yeah, I haven’t heard much of anything aside from ringing since I last heard 110db, and for the most part I prefer to listen to enjoy rather than analyze. But I also suppose that’s why they are there and we are here. Either way, I’m pretty happy with my system. I hope they are too!

Thought provoking topic, Donnie.

Title: Re: So it turns out that I am delusional
Post by CAJames on 07/07/26 at 02:35:22

Quote:

Posted by: Donnie Posted on: Today at 17:35:29

...Anyway, if you can't measure it you sure can't hear it.
Funny thing is that I don't listen to test tones...

Well, I am a (recovering) physicist and in the early days of the internet I would try to argue with these jackwagons. I would tell them that no one bought a Stradivarius or a Rembrandt or a Château Margaux based on measurements and I wasn't going to buy audio gear based on them either. Surprisingly no one changed her or his mind. At least I learned a valuable lesson about the internet.