Dont get stressed if you think your system isn't "Good Enough"...

[Beobloke]

Plus, to be quite honest, I don't really need anyone's help when making choices or decisions with hi-fi, especially that of so-called 'experts' I don't know from Adam…..

Eh? What?

What have I done now?!

[Barry]

A slip of the tongue methinks.

[Marco]

no of course not, listening and a bit of practical experiment is always necessary, measurements are just a guide to weed out the tat. I don't find subjective reviews do that.

To an extent I agree, but I've never found anything more than my own judgement (or that of someone I know and trust) needed as a guide to 'weed out the tat'. I certainly agree though that any genuinely good gear will measure well, often simply just as a by-product of good judgement.

There's the odd exception if someone recommends something to me I might take a punt on it without looking at the engineering. Like the Audiolab transport, I bought that on Gaz's recco as I know he's the sort of bloke who wouldn't have it for five minutes if it wasn't up to the job.

Agreed, and there a few more like him on here whose discerning ears I'd pay far more attention to than any specs or measurements.

ironically good sounding systems - that is good sounding with all music, not just showcase recordings - always measure well so all roads lead to Rome eventually.

As I said, I *completely* agree with that. However, the way I go about it is simply to listen to equipment that sounds stunning (trust my ears), and invariably it will also measure well. I don't select gear, based on notionally good specs and expect it to sound great, as often it doesn't.

Now, given what I said earlier that might sound like a contradiction, but for me the best audio designers not only get their kit to measure well (the easy bit), but in the final analysis, VOICE it to sound great (i.e musical, not sterile), by using their ears to tweak/finely adjust the circuit, the effect of which often isn't measurable, but which results in a no-brainer better sound.

It's a process often dismissed by 'measurists', IMO, to their detriment, as that's often where the 'magic' happens!

I've heard plenty of average-sounding set-ups put together by the 'just trust your ears' philosophy too so I'm not sure there is any relationship between the two different approaches and how the system turns out.

Yes, I agree, but that philosophy only works if your ears are any good!!

And there's the personal preference element too. I recall at Scalford one year I thought there was one particular 'objectivist' system that was probably best in show but you weren't keen on it. Sure you recall which one and who it belonged to.

Was it Serge's? If so, I can't remember why I didn't like it, although normally when we're together we tend to agree on these things.

Marco.

[Marco]

Eh? What?

What have I done now?!

Hahaha... Tis but a saying, dear boy, although some of your likes and dislikes in audio arguably call into question your level of discernment!

Marco.

[Marco]

I was struck by his philosophical position, he did make some valid points about ambition and use of time. But I was concerned about what seemed to be an immense amount of material construction executed to the n'th degree, and his bottomless memory of all the material contributions, like an accountants audit. He doesn't seem to eulogise on music as much as on the whole enterprise of construction.

How much he personally put into the speaker design was not made clear, and I'd be interested to know who did the calculations and design procedures.

I would find it easy to think that this wealthy man has just applied 'pissing contest' rules to achieve the best he can, and that he perhaps has neglected the passionate commitment that Lawrence Dickie has, and which has, and does, drive his study and creativity in producing Vivid speakers.

The decor does not appeal to me at all, but does show much material expenditure, perhaps nouveau riche in expression.

This reminds me of my relationship with my Hi-Fi friend who has and income many many times greater than mine, and who visits bringing his latest toy in order to show me how and what should be done. Of course it is easy to buy good sound; I bet Gates would if it interested him, but for me it is trying to do the best I can with limited resources, and by paying attention to the control and ordination of resource usage. He recently appeared with the best Benchmark stuff.

I liken my friend to a man who knows everyone at a racecourse, and asks for tips from those in the know, whereas I find a horse which is cheap but which has potential, and work and train it to try to achieve. He of course wins the race, but I've had a more fulfilling journey, and I've developed in many ways.

Great post, Dennis. We're on the same page with many of the points you've raised, but especially the bit in bold. ultimately, he's not really my kind of guy and strikes me as being more of a 'I can do it because I can afford it' type, regardless of whether what he's done is actually necessary or beneficial to what he's trying to achieve.

Marco.

[Filterlab]

Does he live in a Pottery Barn catalogue?

[Marco]

What's Pottery Barn?

Marco.

[doodoos]

Lol - 'unwell' in what way

Seems he has ALS which is no joke as a progressively degenerative disease.

[Marco]

I see... Is this what you're referring to: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...s/syc-20354022

If so, how would you know - are you a doctor?

Marco.

[Marco]

What's Pottery Barn?

Rob? Anyone? Never heard of it.

Also, Macca, any thoughts on post 23?

Marco.