Confronting your own realities...

[John]

At the moment I am going through a period in which I am really happy with my sounds I am not sure if this is psychological or is it just having the whole synergy of the system right; even on my digital side which is not so exotic and quite basic everything is just sounding right.

[Marco]

At the moment I am going through a period in which I am really happy with my sounds I am not sure if this is psychological or is it just having the whole synergy of the system right

I think that's a really important consideration in building a truly musically rewarding system and not enough people pay serious enough attention to it, IMO.

A collection of disparate 'bargain' boxes bought on Ebay is unlikely to create a synergistically-matched system; carefully considered and partnered equipment and ancillaries thoroughly auditioned beforehand is...

Unfortunately everyone wants a 'quick fix' and doesn't have the patience or dedication necessary for 'the long game'.

Marco.

[promachos]

Unfortunately everyone wants a 'quick fix' and doesn't have the patience or dedication necessary for 'the long game'.

Marco.

Really ??

[Marco]

Sorry, I should have said 'most' people. It's certainly the evidence I often see displayed

We tend to be quite the opposite here on AOS.

Marco.

[DSJR]

Well I'm very happy with my ancient inherited system and feel it would cost a small fortune to significantly better it in any way. I certainly don't like having to turn the music off and do something else at the moment.

[Marco]

So I gather, Dave. I believe that you've developed a love affair with some Crowns?

Marco.

P.S Word on the grapevine (from a reliable source) tells me that Glenn is just about ready to introduce his new range of equipment to the market

[The Grand Wazoo]

From The Grave

[WOStantonCS100]

I started building for very basic reasons. I was tired of replacing/re-buying chain store crap that didn't last much longer than a few years. I did not want to pay exorbitant prices for (anything really, including) high-end gear; especially, if it was not worthy of it's asking price. I wanted gear that sounded awesome. I wanted gear that I could fix if it broke; gear that was fixable and not throw away; gear that most likely wouldn't need fixing (just periodic maintenance). That was the beginning of the journey.

I live by the "measure twice, cut once" rule. I spend copious amounts of time researching before I ever undertake a project/build. Because, when the project/build is complete, I really do not want to revisit it. I don't want to have to hunt down a cold solder joint. It should turn on. The voltages should be within range. And, the gear should do it's thing, so I can listen to the music. Endless tweaking holds no appeal for me. Case in point, the upgrades for my Bottlehead gear have remained in the box since I got them, almost two years now. They sound great stock. I'm in no hurry. Eventually, maybe.

I used the same approach on the 1500MK2 re-plinth project. I spent weeks just thinking about it. I spent a few more weeks measuring and re-measuring and plugging those measurements into CAD and then rechecking. The last thing I wanted was to get the plinth home from the CNC shop and have it not be right! It was right. So... done. I may get some BDR cones for it at some point; but, that's about it.

I'm not saying I never upgrade; but, I apply the same principle. Copious research. Apply the upgrade. Be done. Listen to music. I purposefully do not clutter my schedule with projects; because, that leaves me little time for critical music listening enjoyment. That would be a big problem. Spending so much money on tweaks that there is little left to by boat loads of vinyl would also be a huge problem. My musical enjoyment does not come from listening to music in the background while working on gear. In fact, the only problem I have now, is spending too much time on the internet and not enough time with the cans on, eyes closed.

[MartinT]

Talking to people yesterday at the Scalford show, it was very clear to me that music came first. There was clear enjoyment of the tracks played, discussion of singers, groups and musical styles and I was pleased to hear classical demo'd as well as modern. Whether a large or small budget was available, everyone was trying to get the best sound for their pound of expense.

I think perhaps the cliche of a rich bloke with his £100k bijou system and a collection of 10 discs is overstated?

[Darren]

I've got to be really honest and say I love the kit almost as much as the music. Wouldnt choose to be without either. Not for a second.

My life, my hobby, my rules. Dont give a flying one what anyone else thinks of my priorities.