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Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
walpurgis
14-05-2017, 18:55
Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
No. :D
Every hobby has its nerds.... You owning up?;)
Stratmangler
14-05-2017, 19:01
Been out with my son this afternoon, and came back with a Shure SM57, a DI box, a couple of 5m Klotz XLR leads, and a microphone stand.
A quick test has shown that using quality equipment yields superior results (better sounding than a DAW with plugins).
You think HiFi is nerdy?
Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
Oh yes - especially the sums of money 'invested' in the absurd notion of dragging a tiny piece of diamond through a wiggly grove cut into a piece of plastic.
I'm happy to confess to being slightly eccentric. I'm nearly fifty so that's allowed. Anyway it is an Englishman's God-given right to be eccentric. It's practically compulsory.
Anyone who dedicates themselves to a hobby would probably be seen as a nerd by those who don't indulge in the same hobby.
Depends on the hobby I suppose.
Maybe some hobbies do attract nerdy connotations more than others....train spotting, metal dectectorist, audiophiles?:)
Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
Nerdy ✅ bulls**t ✘ slightly odd ✅
2/3. It is my human right to be nerdy and slightly odd. :)
There is quite a lot of bullshit though. Can't really deny that. But that's true of everything these days.
I guess that anyone who goes to the trouble we do to assemble a hi-fi system, considered as 'fit' to reproduce recorded music, "nerdy" is arguably an apt description.
However, I'm still not comfortable with that word, as it conjures up images of a buck-toothed, big-eared bespectacled geek, with lank unkept hair, BO issues and dreadful dress sense, still living with his mother in Manchester, with no friends and penchant for buggery....
....all the things I'm NOT and DON'T! :D
Marco.
I'm happy to confess to being slightly eccentric. I'm nearly fifty so that's allowed. Anyway it is an Englishman's God-given right to be eccentric. It's practically compulsory.
Having met you I would only rank you as slightly odd. Actually, maybe a bit odder than that. Who else would be nuts enough to organise MiBO???
Likeable though. Yes - very likeably slightly odd+:)
I have a lot of stuff delivered to work and quiet often whip my valves out to show the girls in the office. They smile weakly and just think I'm a nasty old man.:lol:
Sorry that should have been nerdy old man but spellchecker decided otherwise, however I have left it as they think I am that aswell:lol:
I guess that anyone who goes to the trouble we do to assemble a hi-fi system that we consider as 'fit' to reproduce recorded music, "nerdy" is an apt description.
However, I'm still not comfortable with that word, as it conjures up images of a buck-toothed, big-eared bespectacled geek, with lank unkept hair, BO issues and dreadful dress sense, still living with his mother in Manchester, with no friends and penchant for buggery....
....all the things I'm NOT! :D
Marco.
Why is it that claiming innocence to all of this makes me suspect that in fact you might actually behind the scenes be quite guilty?;)
I'm guilty of converting normal people into absolute Apogee nutcases.
Look here (http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?23127-Another-Apogee-thread-You-bet!). See what I mean?:D
Why is it that claiming innocence to all of this makes me suspect that in fact you might actually behind the scenes be quite guilty?;)
Ha - funnily enough, the mental picture I'd formed in my head was one of you! :ner::D
;)
Marco.
There is quite a lot of bullshit though. Can't really deny that. But that's true of everything these days.
Politics is probably worse. The disturbing thing is that politics actually matter.
I often wonder if all the shit decisions taken by politicians this century were reversed, what kind of a world would we be living in now?
Politics is probably worse. The disturbing thing is that politics actually matter.
I often wonder if all the shit decisions taken by politicians this century were reversed, what kind of a world would we be living in now?
guess that would depend on what one calls a shit decision. everyone's is different alas, or we wouldnt have any
I have a lot of stuff delivered to work and quiet often whip my valves out to show the girls in the office. They smile weakly and just think I'm a nasty old man.:lol:
They only thought you were "nasty" when they intercepted the copies of 'Razzle', delivered to your office, which you'd placed via your annual on-line subscription, and later discovered that after you'd read them, the pages were all stuck together! :lol::D
;)
Marco.
I think nerdy is a little cruel and extreme, perhaps eccentric or odd, or gauche and unsociable may better apply.
In my case any leaning that way can be explained by my dire formative years in which the dysfunctional relationships my Mother had with both My Father and subsequent partner cause a reaction in me of wanting to escape the 'milieu'.
So in my teens I took up cycling and got away from the later partner by being out all Sunday doing up to 140 miles, and my interest in science and engineering steered me into a small work room in which I played with glo-plug engines and other bits.
This trait was in essence because I am sensitive, and loathed the arguing and fighting going on in the home, my Mother trying to kill my Father with the carving knife in my early years. The arguments with the later partner used to result in other visitors leaving early, and it was also a terrible atmosphere involving excessive drinking.
So my escape started my tendency, and it now is similar because I feel that I have so little in common with most people I meet, having had years of expensive therapy and worked on my own personal development extensively.
I think it is true that most people do not try to think out their lives thoroughly, and they use what has been implanted in them in their receptive and formative years. George Harrison's Within you without you seems quite relevant.
Surely computer geeks are more the stereotype for this thread.
But I am an odd person, and much of what I see as 'normality' makes me feel OK about what I am, and our pursuit is relatively harmless.
Inclined more to think if you let it grip you and you have some cash available then it can become an illness. Maybe not in same way as Alcohol or drug abuse but a minor illness at times for some. Mostly though its just a passionate hobby in best traditions of hobbies, with the advantage you double up and get super sounds, which its supposed to be about.
I do believe sometimes some folk prefer the hifi than the music, and maybe thats when it becomes geeky
It's easy to spot the 'nerds'... Just attend your average commercial hi-fi show and witness the folk walking around with carrier bags full of leaflets, who NEVER buy anything, going into every room and annoying all the exhibitors with their squeaky voices, asking them achingly anal questions, which make them feel like telling the sad nerds to fuck off! ;)
They look a bit like this, only 40 years older (all that's missing is a brown anorak and a somewhat 'pained' expression):
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/924/tvwGxo.jpg
If one should ever follow you, run while you can! :D
Marco.
walpurgis
14-05-2017, 22:41
But I am an odd person
I get the impression that may be deliberate? ;)
Computer enthusiasts are more the geeks and nerds, I worked in computers for many years and I can tell you some I knew, you see their picture beside geek in the dictionary! But Audiophiles are a different breed. I do believe I may be previewed odd, but envied. When family or friends come over, they are quite impressed with my stereo! They envy me for owning it! But, they are not willing to part with the money to own one. So, I'm probably thought a bit odd for that reason. But some very cool people like to come around and spin records with me, so I don't see that at geeky.
The office girls probably thought him nasty by the way he was pushing the tubes between his thumb and forefinger!
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The office girls probably thought him nasty by the way he was pushing the tubes between his thumb and forefinger!
Ah... The famous 'two-finger shuffle' :D
Marco.
Computer enthusiasts are more the geeks and nerds, I worked in computers for many years and I can tell you some I knew, you see their picture beside geek in the dictionary!
Indeed, and there are plenty of them on forums, as many also have an interest in hi-fi! Quite often (but not always) the science types and 'measurements fetishists' also come into that category, Jez being one of the MAJOR exceptions! ;)
But - many of those folk I've met at shows, such as Scalford, defo tick all the total geek boxes!! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Ah... The famous 'two-finger shuffle' :D
Marco.
:lol:
hifinutt
15-05-2017, 08:37
I'm guilty of converting normal people into absolute Apogee nutcases.
Look here (http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?23127-Another-Apogee-thread-You-bet!). See what I mean?:D
interesting thread and having heard the apogees i would agree with your love of them
perhaps this is someone influenced . have a look at photo 3
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-65342021.html
Ha - for totally different reasons, Neil (Dalek) will be in his element! :eyebrows:
Marco.
nice old style house. garden is sweet.
:lol:
Heh-heh... Try it with a hot one, for an even bigger 'thrill'! :D
Marco.
hifinutt
15-05-2017, 08:53
yes i think the dalek is a subwoofer i believe
http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=201725&page=2
post 30
Spectral Morn
15-05-2017, 11:11
Ha - for totally different reasons, Neil (Dalek) will be in his element! :eyebrows:
Marco.
lol no one getting in that window. HiFi safely guarded.
Neil can have the Dalek, I'll take the wine collection!
Heh-heh... Try it with a hot one, for an even bigger 'thrill'! :D
Marco.
maybe a nice warm KT150?:D
Spectral Morn
15-05-2017, 11:31
Neil can have the Dalek, I'll take the wine collection!
Its a new gen one, would rather it was a classic one or from the Peter Cushing Dr Who films. But if it was a choice or that of the HiFi I would take the HiFi.
You want to get the ladies going then it has to be NOS Mullards.
anthonyTD
15-05-2017, 11:32
Aye:D
Seriously though' and according to some;I have always possessed a certain Eccentricity!:eek:
Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
There is Geoff deliberation in my not denying my experiences or neglecting the truths which have emanated from them, but I do not want to be odd per se, any oddness has been incepted by my formation.
You want to get the ladies going then it has to be NOS Mullards.
I think they maybe too small - size matters to these ladies!:D
maybe a nice warm KT150?:D
Possibly, but a nice fat 300B would provide some extra 'girth'! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Possibly, but a nice fat 300B would provide some extra 'girth'! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Don't - I once heard a true story about a hospital visit after some idiot put a light bulb up his girlfriend's behind.
Don't - I once heard a true story about a hospital visit after some idiot put a light bulb up his girlfriend's behind.
shit!!!:eek:
I knew someone who worked in a hospital A&E.
One evening, someone presented themselves there with a small torch pushed up his rectum. Talk about light eminating from "where the Sun don't shine". (Yes - the torch was 'on'.)
Don't - I once heard a true story about a hospital visit after some idiot put a light bulb up his girlfriend's behind.
I could comment on that, but I won't! :lol:
Marco,
anthonyTD
15-05-2017, 12:38
I was going to say very enlightening!
Probably quite tame to what you were thinking!:eek:
I could comment on that, but I won't! :lol:
Marco,
I knew someone who worked in a hospital A&E.
One evening, someone presented themselves there with a small torch pushed up his rectum. Talk about light eminating from "where the Sun don't shine". (Yes - the torch was 'on'.)
rectum? damn near killed 'im
I was going to say very enlightening!
Probably quite tame to what you were thinking!:eek:
Wot moi? You know that I'm as innocent as boy scout! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Seriously though' and according to some;I have always possessed a certain Eccentricity!:eek:
No no no, darling, you heard that wrong... It was elasticity, and we won't go into the reasons why!! :lol:;)
Marco.
anthonyTD
15-05-2017, 13:19
:lol::lol::lol:
No no no, darling, you heard that wrong... It was elasticity, and we won't go into the reasons why!! :lol:;)
Marco.
walpurgis
15-05-2017, 14:30
Don't - I once heard a true story about a hospital visit after some idiot put a light bulb up his girlfriend's behind.
It's the age of enlightenment! :D
(damn, just noticed Marco beat me to it with that one :rolleyes:)
anthonyTD
15-05-2017, 15:29
That was me!:D
It's the age of enlightenment! :D
(damn, just noticed Marco beat me to it with that one :rolleyes:)
walpurgis
15-05-2017, 15:41
That was me!:D
Ah. I was 'skimming'. ;)
anthonyTD
15-05-2017, 15:54
:)
Ah. I was 'skimming'. ;)
It's the age of enlightenment! :D
(damn, just noticed Marco beat me to it with that one :rolleyes:)
I don't envy the surgeon who had to sort that one out - all those pieces.:eek:
And some wonder why they are so well paid...
This thread has gone in a bit of a shit direction. Apologies:D
cyclopse
15-05-2017, 18:37
To get things back on track when Esquire did that magazine article on audiophiles they were putting an eccentric spin on it. Really enjoyed the Trentmoller tip by the way.
Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
Happy to admit that I'm not normal. I don't even pretend any more.
All that matters is to be 'comfy in your own skin', if you'll excuse the psychobabble.
FWIW, I've found the mad, the slightly mental and the eccentrics of this world tend to be more stimulating company than your average Janet and John. Here's a cheery thought: life's too short and time is too precious to spend too much of it surrounded by conformist dullards talking about their new kitchen or parroting some obnoxious shit they've read in the Daily Mail.
Firebottle
16-05-2017, 05:14
FWIW, I've found the mad, the slightly mental and the eccentrics of this world tend to be more stimulating company than your average Janet and John. Here's a cheery thought: life's too short and time is too precious to spend too much of it surrounded by conformist dullards talking about their new kitchen or parroting some obnoxious shit they've read in the Daily Mail.
Hear, hear.
Ooh hang on, could that be construed as audio related :eyebrows:
Happy to admit that I'm not normal.
Paul, you're from Glasgow, so abnormality is a given! :lol:
Other than that, good post - it's obvious why you fit in so well here :D
Marco.
Happy to admit that I'm not normal. I don't even pretend any more.
All that matters is to be 'comfy in your own skin', if you'll excuse the psychobabble.
FWIW, I've found the mad, the slightly mental and the eccentrics of this world tend to be more stimulating company than your average Janet and John. Here's a cheery thought: life's too short and time is too precious to spend too much of it surrounded by conformist dullards talking about their new kitchen or parroting some obnoxious shit they've read in the Daily Mail.
What about "conformist dullards" talking about their new speaker cable?
Dullards rule
Yes, we do.
What about "conformist dullards" talking about their new speaker cable?
Fine amongst fellow enthusiasts. I can't imagine starting a conversation on the topic when socialising with disinterested friends.
What about "conformist dullards" talking about their new speaker cable?
It's far more fun being a "non-conformist dullard"! ;)
Marco.
It's far more fun being a "non-conformist dullard"! ;)
Marco.
Yep - that's me. :)
Fine amongst fellow enthusiasts. I can't imagine starting a conversation on the topic when socialising with disinterested friends.
Easy... You could slip something like speaker cable into the discussion if said friends enjoyed being tied up and whipped! :whippin::D
Nordost or Van den Hul - which inflicts the most pain? :lol:
Marco.
That stuff with the little wooden blocks halfway along, mind you, an expensive way to do S&M
I would say yes. The look on people's faces when i show them what I have collected tells me they think I'm a nerd :lol:
Yes, but who's to say they're any more normal! ;)
Marco.
I've sat down, re-analysing my latest purchase decision.
I've realised I've fucked up.
I did 327 forum posts expressing how good it was, and I've just realised I've been talking bollocks about it all along.
I know inherently I must be a total wanker.
What do I do?
Self hyphen analysis.
I've sat down, re-analysing my latest purchase decision.
I've realised I've fucked up.
I did 327 forum posts expressing how good it was, and I've just realised I've been talking bollocks about it all along.
I know inherently I must be a total wanker.
What do I do?
Self hyphen analysis.
What purchase are you talking about Justin?
It was a hypothetical situation Jim.
It was a hypothetical situation Jim.
nice amp:eyebrows:
Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
All of the above is self evident, but even if it were not my paramour points it out on a regular basis.
Paramour, eh? Naughty boy.... :eyebrows:
Marco.
Well, she's not married (anymore) but 'girlfriend' sounds a bit odd at my age. Anyway, as I point out to her, I may well be a geek and a bit strange but what does that say about her....
I think the whole concept of 'normality' needs some serious analysis.
Capitalism looks at the Gaussian curve and aims to sell to the middle people in that curve for maximum sales, and in that way reinforces an implied sense of normality - what most do, and they spend a lot of money determining it.
But at the extremes are those with different traits, tastes or tendencies, perhaps implying abnormality.
Often those who think differently are those who reason for themselves, they think independently, and those who conform/comply may be seen as fairly clueless when confronted with a difficult situation or task.
Just look at the catastrophe films of tankers and infernos to see the portrayal of those who are not aware and analytical.
If in our democracy the results in which we live are the result of normal thinking, then I suggest that normal thinking is not necessarily a good thing. (I may be alone in this view, but to me everything has gone to hell in a hand cart in the last 40 years).
Of course the well known group behaviour ensures that those with a differing view form the bulk are ostracised and this may produce conformity in many. The work of Solomon Asch showed just how most people behave when one disagrees with the majority, and this is frightening, when one thinks of the principle of democracy, and how a mass mediocrity can oppress more able people.
So lets all think the same thing then and feel comfortable :-)
I argue that the agenda set by survival in our pressurised society is such that many never really have the time to 'find themselves', and that most of what they are, and do is a result of early formation imprinting.
(John Lennon; "By giving you not time instead of it all")
People feel awkward and ill at ease when confronting those with odd or eccentric views, because it threatens their ontological security, (their own choices and formation), and they then attempt to defend this sense of insecurity by attacking the perceived threat source.
I am subject to much ostracism because of a few superficial characteristics; I am not married and do not have a partner, I am a bodybuilder, I wear very short cut off jeans, I am a musician, I do not frequent pubs or clubs, and I cut my own hair.
But it is slowly changing; look at the uptake of cycling especially with young women, activity in protests, a wide range of now acceptable hair and clothing styles and approaches and other things, let's hope it continues and goes much deeper.
I am optimistic.
Often those who think differently are those who reason for themselves, they think independently, and those who conform/comply may be seen as fairly clueless when confronted with a difficult situation or task.
Indeed - so long live the 'free-thinkers' (who are such, due to being unburdened by conforming to 'the norm')!
of course the well known group behaviour ensures that those with a differing view form the bulk are ostracised and this may produce conformity in many. The work of Solomon Asch showed just how most people behave when one disagrees with the majority, and this is frightening, when one thinks of the principle of democracy, and how a mass mediocrity can oppress more able people.
I see tons of evidence of that every day, and in terms of forums, plenty of it too, especially folks being ostracised for their hi-fi opinions not conforming to the 'accepted norm', or rather 'currently accepted (scientific) wisdom'.
So lets all think the same thing then and feel comfortable :-)
Yes, cognitive dissonance in some areas is rife! ;)
I argue that the agenda set by survival in our pressurised society is such that many never really have the time to 'find themselves', and that most of what they are, and do is a result of early formation imprinting.
Indeed, which is subsequently why those who have (successfully) 'found themselves' are often resented by those who haven't........
People feel awkward and ill at ease when confronting those with odd or eccentric views, because it threatens their ontological security, (their own choices and formation), and they then attempt to defend this sense of insecurity by attacking the perceived threat source.
*That* is the most astute observation of all, and indeed I've been a victim myself of such on many occasions. In fact, it's a fundamental reason why AoS was born [to escape from such and create a safe haven for those with "eccentric views", read as that don't always conform to 'the norm']!
Marco.
Not at all.... wierdo,s :ner::D
Not at all.... wierdo,s :ner::D
I know, bloody hippy layabouts. Get a shave, a haircut and a job you bunch of wasters! That's what I did.
Worst mistake of me life.:lol:
(I may be alone in this view, but to me everything has gone to hell in a hand cart in the last 40 years).
An old saw about something similar found written on a Sumerian tablet.
Whinging about the past is clearly a ..Timeless.. human condition
You are hardly alone.. merely predictable :eyebrows:
40 years ago so 1977 - On balance is it that much different now? There's a lot less outside toilets and no white dog shit, more traffic, fewer pubs and chippies. People don't seem to be any different though.
Not sure about fewer pubs and chippies... I'd bet anything that's statistically wrong, certainly where I've always lived, based on what was there once, and what exists now ;)
The difference now is that chippies are no longer just chippies, but double as kebab and curry houses!
Marco.
walpurgis
17-05-2017, 18:46
The difference now is that chippies are no longer just chippies, but double as kebab and curry houses!
Marco.
That's certainly the case here. There are more fast food places than there were. And many sell fish and chips.
Definitely fewer pubs though. I reckon over half have gone in the last thirty years.
Fair enough, mate.
The fewer pubs thing defo isn't evident around here, nor in Glasgow. In fact, when I went up to see Snapper recently, I was AMAZED at how many more had opened since I was there only last year...!! :eek:
The difference, however, is that they've turned into 'gastro pubs' now (instead of old men's booze and smoking dens), whose clientele like to eat well, as well as drink well ;)
So, it's a bit like chippies: they've simply evolved, not decreased in number. If anything, it's the very opposite, as in general folk eat and drink out more today than ever :)
Marco.
I'm not whinging about the past so much as lamenting that what was apparent to the young in the 60s 70s renaissance has not really been acted upon.
I have just, in February, visited the 'Revolution' exhibition at the V&A, and been reminded of how all embracing the political dissent was.
magiccarpetride
17-05-2017, 23:02
Ever stopped to think that hi-fi is a bit of a nerds hobby, that it is full of bullshit, and that you, of all people, might actually be slightly odd?:scratch:
Much less odd than having a garage full of half-finished refurbished vintage automobiles/motorbikes. At least us hi fi aficionados have fully functional systems that can play you album of your choice any time you walk in and ask (well, ALMOST any time ;)
I am in the middle of an article for a magazine thinking back on the impact of my stereo on romance. I've had a nice stereo since before I was sexually active, and it always seemed to play a big part in setting the mood. My ex wife, and every girlfriend I've ever had, we would always play the stereo to set the mood, and during love making as well. Every girlfriend and wife, we had our favorite music to romance with. Usually something with a slow grinding rhythm. While the women in my life didn't really get into the details of the stereo, they cared less about what kind of gear we were listening to, they did enjoy the music it brought into the home, and its effect on romance. That, my friends, is definitely not nerdy.
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I am in the middle of an article for a magazine thinking back on the impact of my stereo on romance. I've had a nice stereo since before I was sexually active, and it always seemed to play a big part in setting the mood. My ex wife, and every girlfriend I've ever had, we would always play the stereo to set the mood, and during love making as well. Every girlfriend and wife, we had our favorite music to romance with. Usually something with a slow grinding rhythm. While the women in my life didn't really get into the details of the stereo, they cared less about what kind of gear we were listening to, they did enjoy the music it brought into the home, and its effect on romance. That, my friends, is definitely not nerdy.
So you could have achieved the same results with a cheap record player. :D
So you could have achieved the same results with a cheap record player. :D
The better the audio, the better the sex! At least for me anyway
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Bit of a pain in the arse to have to stop and turn the record over though. Unless you can be all done in 20 minutes: 'Let's take the foreplay as read, shall we dear?'
Wouldn't have that problem with an autochanger. Maybe that's why the Swiss invented the Thorens TD224!
Yep, we're geeks, yep we're a bit obsessive in our ways, but I sort of enjoy that.
What I didn't enjoy is listening to my HiFi instead of listening to the music, so as geeks, this seems to be a big step to take to divide our obsession and love of music!
I've always wondered what the point of an autochanger was. Now I know :)
I always thought the biggest Mammoth fuck of vinyl was the cheek it had expecting you to rise and change the side after n pints of whatever, and do it competently.
What the 'ell are you doing that takes more than 20 minutes? ;)
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Buffing our 'man trees'? :eyebrows:
Marco.
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