Taking one's system for granted

[Simon_LDT]

Not sure if I'm using the right terminology here but anyone else here sometimes take their system for granted (not intended of course)? I suppose it's a slightly different way of talking about ''upgraditis'', etc.

As an example, I recently upgraded my speakers and for the first time purchased a brand new pair. Soon as I connected them up it just sounded so good, everything sounded bigger, more open and all the nuances coming out. My system had the same ''sound'' but just on a larger scale, suppose because I upgraded the size of the speaker and from the same range so I kept the signature sound. I did the usual thing of playing loads of albums I've lived with for years and listening to how improved they sounded with details jumping out, more life to the dynamic shifts, etc.

Fast forward 2-3 months and because I've become so accustomed to how my system sounds, I feel like I'm not hearing that improvement anymore, it's like I'm just taking it for granted at how good it sounds, wishing I could hear yet more improvement. It's hard to describe the feeling and trying to get across what I mean but maybe some can relate.

What made me start this post is earlier this afternoon I was playing some albums and for what ever reason it felt like I could hear my system unbiased for the first time in months. It's kind of like it sounded better than ever before and I felt I was hearing it how it really is, rather than thinking to myself what/where improvement could be made.

I can't remember what thread it was posted in but I remember recently reading a post from Macca (I think) about trying to listen to one's system with the mindset of it being someone else's and trying to remove any bias. I find this really hard to do myself, but maybe I had a similar result today, even if not approaching it in the same way.

[struth]

Very much so.. you get used to what you hear and start to think there is something not right. Think its just the brain saying heard that, now give me more!

[Simon_LDT]

Definitely. It doesn't help matters with all other things that can also mess with the perceived sound (outside noise, room acoustics, placement of speakers/seating position, stress, blocked ears and so on).

A big problem I have is when my ears have already been subjected to elevated noise levels prior to listening, either from being outside, at work or even when having hoovered or used my RCM. I usually try to listen a few hours after doing anything like that if possible.

[struth]

I use ear plugs when cleaning records.. its damn noisy. Hoovering? Not familiar with that ;)

[Pieoftheday]

Upgraditis can be a rite pain, sometimes I envey those who just enjoy their micro system:cool:

[Simon_LDT]

I use ear plugs when cleaning records.. its damn noisy. Hoovering? Not familiar with that ;)

Haha, lucky you. :D

I've tried earplugs when cleaning records and although it works, sometimes it can make my ears feel more clogged (pushing any wax further into the ear canal). I'm currently wearing some 3M industrial ear defenders when cleaning records and that is working for me even if it's a bit overkill and I look like a right idiot! :lol:

[fatmarley]

Upgraditis can be a rite pain, sometimes I envey those who just enjoy their micro system:cool:

It was only yesterday my girlfriend was happily singing away In the car, listening to Ed Sheeran on the crappy built-In-speaker of her mobile phone.

[paulf-2007]

Not sure if I'm using the right terminology here but anyone else here sometimes take their system for granted (not intended of course)? I suppose it's a slightly different way of talking about ''upgraditis'', etc.

As an example, I recently upgraded my speakers and for the first time purchased a brand new pair. Soon as I connected them up it just sounded so good, everything sounded bigger, more open and all the nuances coming out. My system had the same ''sound'' but just on a larger scale, suppose because I upgraded the size of the speaker and from the same range so I kept the signature sound. I did the usual thing of playing loads of albums I've lived with for years and listening to how improved they sounded with details jumping out, more life to the dynamic shifts, etc.

Fast forward 2-3 months and because I've become so accustomed to how my system sounds, I feel like I'm not hearing that improvement anymore, it's like I'm just taking it for granted at how good it sounds, wishing I could hear yet more improvement. It's hard to describe the feeling and trying to get across what I mean but maybe some can relate.

What made me start this post is earlier this afternoon I was playing some albums and for what ever reason it felt like I could hear my system unbiased for the first time in months. It's kind of like it sounded better than ever before and I felt I was hearing it how it really is, rather than thinking to myself what/where improvement could be made.

I can't remember what thread it was posted in but I remember recently reading a post from Macca (I think) about trying to listen to one's system with the mindset of it being someone else's and trying to remove any bias. I find this really hard to do myself, but maybe I had a similar result today, even if not approaching it in the same way.must be time for another upgrade then.

[ianlenco]

If you have an itchy shirt, after a while you stop noticing it. It's called habituation and I think it applies just as much to your hifi enjoyment. One solution I find useful is to have an alternative piece of equipment and swap them around now and then. My go to kit is a pair of Jordan VTL speakers which seem to do the trick of revitalising my interest.

[struth]

If you have an itchy shirt, after a while you stop noticing it. It's called habituation and I think it applies just as much to your hifi enjoyment. One solution I find useful is to have an alternative piece of equipment and swap them around now and then. My go to kit is a pair of Jordan VTL speakers which seem to do the trick of revitalising my interest.

yup, a good way. Ive a mind to put my smaller single Telefunkens in again for a change. Need to feel stronger tho as they are all heavy sods. Often change amps too;

[Dynamics]

Not sure if I'm using the right terminology here but anyone else here sometimes take their system for granted (not intended of course)? I suppose it's a slightly different way of talking about ''upgraditis'', etc.

As an example, I recently upgraded my speakers and for the first time purchased a brand new pair. Soon as I connected them up it just sounded so good, everything sounded bigger, more open and all the nuances coming out. My system had the same ''sound'' but just on a larger scale, suppose because I upgraded the size of the speaker and from the same range so I kept the signature sound. I did the usual thing of playing loads of albums I've lived with for years and listening to how improved they sounded with details jumping out, more life to the dynamic shifts, etc.

Fast forward 2-3 months and because I've become so accustomed to how my system sounds, I feel like I'm not hearing that improvement anymore, it's like I'm just taking it for granted at how good it sounds, wishing I could hear yet more improvement. It's hard to describe the feeling and trying to get across what I mean but maybe some can relate.

What made me start this post is earlier this afternoon I was playing some albums and for what ever reason it felt like I could hear my system unbiased for the first time in months. It's kind of like it sounded better than ever before and I felt I was hearing it how it really is, rather than thinking to myself what/where improvement could be made.

I can't remember what thread it was posted in but I remember recently reading a post from Macca (I think) about trying to listen to one's system with the mindset of it being someone else's and trying to remove any bias. I find this really hard to do myself, but maybe I had a similar result today, even if not approaching it in the same way.

I'm not so sure about that, as another way of looking at it is what is your system like to a very rudimentary hi fi you once had maybe or a bygone era.

I changed my speakers to the new model of the same size and type and range. Maybe a sideways step. But I've been into decent hi fi for the last maybe 5-6 years spending quite a bit, and what I have now compared to what I had before I was into hi fi about 7 years ago - some old tannoy mercury m3s and a Sony home cinema amp, pales into total difference. So I just think of it in that context and am always surprised when I put an album on and get a level of detail or realism that astounds me.

After all I think it's faithful reproduction of music which is the aim, up to a point, and then if you keep trying to change stuff more and more, it maybe becomes less about the music and more the audiophile experience, which I think isn't as important and what stereos are there in the first place. It's all relative though as everyone is on a slightly different journey.

But my next change is a mains power conditioner and then with what I have, I'm done for some time.

[Pieoftheday]

It was only yesterday my girlfriend was happily singing away In the car, listening to Ed Sheeran on the crappy built-In-speaker of her mobile phone.

Can't do with Sheeran :steam:

[Puffin]

What made me start this post is earlier this afternoon I was playing some albums and for what ever reason it felt like I could hear my system unbiased for the first time in months. It's kind of like it sounded better than ever before and I felt I was hearing it how it really is, rather than thinking to myself what/where improvement could be made.



You were simply listening to the music and not the system.

[magiccarpetride]

Not sure if I'm using the right terminology here but anyone else here sometimes take their system for granted (not intended of course)? I suppose it's a slightly different way of talking about ''upgraditis'', etc.

As an example, I recently upgraded my speakers and for the first time purchased a brand new pair. Soon as I connected them up it just sounded so good, everything sounded bigger, more open and all the nuances coming out. My system had the same ''sound'' but just on a larger scale, suppose because I upgraded the size of the speaker and from the same range so I kept the signature sound. I did the usual thing of playing loads of albums I've lived with for years and listening to how improved they sounded with details jumping out, more life to the dynamic shifts, etc.

Fast forward 2-3 months and because I've become so accustomed to how my system sounds, I feel like I'm not hearing that improvement anymore, it's like I'm just taking it for granted at how good it sounds, wishing I could hear yet more improvement. It's hard to describe the feeling and trying to get across what I mean but maybe some can relate.

What made me start this post is earlier this afternoon I was playing some albums and for what ever reason it felt like I could hear my system unbiased for the first time in months. It's kind of like it sounded better than ever before and I felt I was hearing it how it really is, rather than thinking to myself what/where improvement could be made.

I can't remember what thread it was posted in but I remember recently reading a post from Macca (I think) about trying to listen to one's system with the mindset of it being someone else's and trying to remove any bias. I find this really hard to do myself, but maybe I had a similar result today, even if not approaching it in the same way.

I had a similar experience recently. After switching to vinyl, I started rediscovering some of my favourite albums. One of the things that impressed me a lot was the full bodied slam of the drums and the bass my turntable was giving me. Recently I went back to relisten to Ralph Towner's "Sound and Shadows", and as I was waiting in anticipation for Eberhard Weber's mighty bass note to make its initial entrance, I got a bit disappointed that it didn't hit me as strongly as the first time around. I then started questioning my system: is it really that powerful sounding, or was I just imagining things when I was initially listening to my upgrade?

I then found a quick fix for that dilemma -- I played the "Light and Shadows" FLAC. After listening to the digital version, going back to the LP restored all the initial awesomeness in all its pristine glory, and then some.

So I guess the way to deal with not taking your system for granted is to go back and listen t the previous configuration. Only in the light of that contrast will you be able to fully appreciate the value of your upgrade.

[Firebottle]

I think it's interesting to compare and contrast where your previous system 'sound' has sat in the ultimate upgraditus experience.

For me it seems a total anathema to go backwards to a lesser performance once you have achieved a blatant improvement in your enjoyment of the sound you are experiencing.
It's such a wonderful improved appreciation of the talent or musicality of whatever artist you enjoy when you hear more of the emotion of the performance or skill of the playing of the musical instruments.

Just my 2p.

:D

[dantheman91]

You Know what im very happy with what i have - i love experiencing different types of sound quality from the low end to the absolute high end - been happy the the results of all - its amazing what a piece of equipment can do if put to the test if your a true enthusiast in this excellent and wonderful experience for me guys you know me always testing different equipment and i can honestly say theirs only a few i haven't liked all the rest hold memories for me......theirs many more to come this is joyous to be a part off i adore this stuff...yes i do take it for granted which i regret as the stuff i should be using gets put to one side as i have so much of it - not for much longer downsizing the WHOLE collection....keeping the stuff i love and KNOW i am going to use...:)