What does Flat earth mean to you?

For many it is an exclusive association with certain brands of hi-fi. For others it is a state of mind, listening priorities and the logical subjectivist conclusion - that your hi-fi is chosen using your ears for its ability to hold your attention and involve you in the music. It is entirely feasible that a Linn component could come second in a Tune Dem and a Naim product be out-PRATed.

This is my take on the flat earth which is also the stance taken by PFM (as I understood it at the time) in its early days.

Certain manufacturers would have us believe that if these were your listening piorities then only their brand would do. The arrogance on the part of certain dealers (presumably obeying orders from the manufacturer above in order to keep the franchise) extended to not even allowing comparisons with kit from other manufacturers. The only comparisons they allowed was with their own kit higher or lower in the (price) hierarchy.

Most people will stigmatise the term flat earth due to its association with Linn/Naim. The purpose of this poll/thread is to find out what our members' perceptions are and to examine them and see if they are still relevant today.

The flat earth mentality is rife with owners of largely incompetent products - of a certain age - which tailored imperfect sources to sound "nice" all the time. That's my take on the purist of the FE clan, who also give the online impression of more than a bit of Autism (speaking as a self confessed Aspergic with narrow tastes and poor social skills outside of audio.....)

Perhaps I'm being far too harsh, but you know what they say about ex-smokers talking about smoking......

I never heard the term "Flat Earth" before.

The Naim/Linn thing is of very limited value : probably has some sense in certain UK circles but it's a drop in an ocean internationally.

On the other hand, the subjectivist-objectivist split since the 70s, it's something broad enough and exists in all countries.
Personally i dislike being part of either : I've met plenty of honest, respectful and knowledgeable people belonging on both sides of this split.

So I prefer being called a "hifi afficionado" or a "music lover" rather than a subjectivist or objectivist.

I mean, when I hear some objectivists say that "if it measures ok, it's ok" or when I see some subjectivists say that a cable costing £20000 would be beneficial in a £5000-system... I really don't want to be on any of these extremes. :ner:
But, if I had to choose, I would rather be called a "reasonable" subjectivist. ;)

We'd also like some feedback please from members on the views expressed here by admin in reference to 'Nailing our colours to the mast'
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...5690#post85690

Do people see what we're getting at and understand how it aligns with the basic ethos of AoS?

Your thoughts and/or constructive criticism are welcome...

Cheers! :cool:

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Wikipedia

The term 'flat earthers' is a recognizable slang, referent to persons or organizations who cling to antiquarian beliefs which have long since been disproven.

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See also
http://www.answers.com/topic/flat-earth
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/flat-earth
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/flat-earth
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environmen...nge-copenhagen (Gordon Brown attacks 'flat-earth' climate change sceptics)

I feel the generally accepted definition of flat earth is quite obvious. My 'perception' of the term is based on the dictionary and historical definition.

In Hi-Fi terms therefore it refers to those who fully believe and will defend and promote the crap that manufacturers such as Linn and Naim (and others such as AVI! - that was an amazing thread wasn't it?) spout.

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Originally Posted by Marco

We'd also like some feedback please from members on the views expressed here by admin in reference to 'Nailing our colours to the mast'
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...5690#post85690

Do people see what we're getting at and understand how it aligns with the basic ethos of AoS?

Your thoughts and/or constructive criticism are welcome...

Cheers! :cool:

Marco.

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I dislike group think as a concept, and disagree with some of Steven's specific points (eg I don't always want music to put a grin on my face).

Oh, and I use a SET amp!

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Originally Posted by Kris

I feel the generally accepted definition of flat earth is quite obvious.

In Hi-Fi terms therefore it refers to those who fully believe and will defend and promote the crap that manufacturers such as Linn and Naim (and others such as AVI! - that was an amazing thread wasn't it?) spout.

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That's certainly my understanding of the term. If Steven and Marco choose to believe it means something else, they risk confusing people. 'Flat Earther' seems an odd label to want to attach to yourself, in any case.

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'Flat Earther' seems an odd label to want to attach to yourself, in any case.

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Maybe they believe the Earth really is flat?

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Originally Posted by Kris

Maybe they believe the Earth really is flat?

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Maybe. To me, the term implies someone who refuses to accept overwhelming scientific evidence and/or someone who is living irretrievably in the past.

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(eg I don't always want music to put a grin on my face).

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or make the hairs on your arms/neck stand on end?

or make you tap your feet?

or any other emotional response depending on the type of music?