Is there a problem at AOS?

[Pigmy Pony]

Good post, Andy, and thanks for taking the time to share your views.

I do understand where you're coming from. However, the key point to remember [in terms of the above in bold] is that AoS isn't simply just a hi-fi or music forum; it's a community, and if you wish to be part of that community, rather than simply using the forum as an information resource to support your hobby, then the subjects you've mentioned, if of interest to our regulars, are bound to come up and be discussed at length.

The other thing to consider, and I think this is very important, is that for many of us who don't use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc, etc, *THIS* is OUR social media, and where we keep in touch with people who have become our friends, many of whom we've met in real life, and some of whom live on their own and rarely get the chance to chat to anyone in real life, so that needs to be considered, and it's a vital part of what AoS is about, and gives it SOUL.

In that respect, AoS will continue to fulfil that function. I have no interest whatsoever in 'sanitising' the site in order for it to simply become a-n-other soulless 'bulletin board' or hi-fi forum, as it fundamentally goes against everything that we stand for. I do hope you appreciate where I'm coming from and understand

Marco.

+1 to all of this Marco, heartening to hear I will try to post more on hifi though, I just need to learn a bit more first

[Audio Al]

+1 to all of this Marco, heartening to hear I will try to post more on hifi though, I just need to learn a bit more first

hifi ? what is this thing called hifi

[AJSki2fly]

hifi ? what is this thing called hifi

I think when you last posted pics of your living room there was more hifi in it than most of us could shake a stick at, and haven't you just purchased some more

[Audio Al]

I think when you last posted pics of your living room there was more hifi in it than most of us could shake a stick at, and haven't you just purchased some more

Opps ! yes you cought me out with this
Skint but own some audio equipment

[Made in 1968]

OY

OY ! Who you calling deluded

[Marco]

I'd also like to pick up on a point Grant made earlier:

most of the older, more regular posters dont post much..they are mostly settled and are much less active...

That, IMO, is also a MAJOR reason why some feel that AoS has 'lost its way'. I certainly come into the above category. Whilst I'm still interested in hi-fi, it no longer holds the same level of interest for me (or was the obsession) it once was when I was at the beginning of my 'journey', keen and enthusiastic about all things hi-fi, and excited about trying different tweaks, etc. But if you're still in that zone, and deep into your 'journey', then you will look at things differently.

A disinterest in 'hi-end' audio is also why I no longer attend hi-fi shows, as I'm simply not interested in looking at or listening to ridiculously expensive systems, which sonically, largely disappoint, and besides I've never been a massive 'gear head', especially when it comes to new gear. Different with quality vintage stuff, so in that respect I'd derive more pleasure from attending Tonbridge than Bristol. Furthermore, I'm also more likely to go along to one of the NEBO meets than any 'professional' hi-fi show, simply because of the social angle and meeting up with friends.

And because I'm mostly settled (as Grant stated), in terms of having an interest in improving my system, I've got less to say on the subject, notwithstanding the fact that I'm disinclined to participate in topics that have been done to death many times before. That's not a criticism, simply a fact of how discussions on forums largely go round in cycles, or indeed circles...

Polishing fuses and dicking around with cables might be fresh, new and exciting to newcomers to the hobby (or those who are truly addicted to the whole tweaking/box-swapping thing), but not to someone like me who's been in this game since 1982, and posting on forums, talking pish about hi-fi (lol) since 1998, and thus been there, done that and bought the t-shirt! Plus also someone who is totally satisfied and happy with his system - and of course my love of music remains a constant.

Inevitably, you become a little jaded and run out of things to say... That's why I've been much less active on such topics. However, I still have a life outside of hi-fi and other passions/hobbies to indulge in, and enjoy chatting with likeminded people I consider as friends, so that's why I've mostly been active in the off-topic sections, discussing some of such with them. Fact is, life moves on, and we all evolve, so things simply cannot stay the same forever

Marco.

[AJSki2fly]

I do have issues with deluded Hi-Fi enthusiasts tho

I am only deluded in the belief that I have the best HiFi system that I can buy within my budget, and that anything cheaper would not perform as well or be as musical, I tell this to myself regularly or else I will become irrational and start changing system components.

[AJSki2fly]

I'd also like to pick up on a point Grant made earlier:

.............

Inevitably, you become a little jaded and run out of things to say... That's why I've been much less active on such topics. However, I still have a life outside of hi-fi and other passions/hobbies to indulge in, and enjoy chatting with likeminded people I consider as friends, so that's why I've mostly been active in the off-topic sections, discussing some of such with them. Fact is, life moves on, and we all evolve, so things simply cannot stay the same forever

Marco.

Yes I agree Marco, I went through hifi upgrading in my twenties and go to a point where money and interest waned. Later on I moved to CD, a mistake at the time and the system went through various iterations until I reached a point I was reasonably happy with it. So buying HiFi mags, visiting shops and participating in forums waited.

4 years ago as some know I became interested in vinyl again, and due to illness had time to get involved in listening and HiFi again, it also helped distract me from my health issues. AOS I returned to and found the comradely and most interactions great, be up it about HiFi or other topics, and generally still do.

So even though my system is now relatively stable I enjoy the AOS interaction and hope to continue to do so.

[Made in 1968]

I am only deluded in the belief that I have the best HiFi system that I can buy within my budget, and that anything cheaper would not perform as well or be as musical, I tell this to myself regularly or else I will become irrational and start changing system components.

Is that not the definition of Deluding yourself?

[Marco]

Yes I agree Marco, I went through hifi upgrading in my twenties and go to a point where money and interest waned. Later on I moved to CD, a mistake at the time and the system went through various iterations until I reached a point I was reasonably happy with it. So buying HiFi mags, visiting shops and participating in forums waited.

4 years ago as some know I became interested in vinyl again, and due to illness had time to get involved in listening and HiFi again, it also helped distract me from my health issues. AOS I returned to and found the comradely and most interactions great, be up it about HiFi or other topics, and generally still do.

So even though my system is now relatively stable I enjoy the AOS interaction and hope to continue to do so.

And long may that continue, mate, as you're a valued member

That's the other thing about why the community aspect of AoS is so important, and the promotion of popular discussion topics other than just hi-fi - 'real world' stuff - it gives folks a reason to continue 'tuning in', forming a bond with others in the process, subsequently ensuring the forum's longevity long after people have moved on and their interest in hi-fi has waned...

Marco.