I've always said that people were discerning...

[webby]

If most people genuinely into music that are not simply just 'gadget freaks' had that test (or indeed a more optimally set-up blind one) demonstrated to them in their lounge at home, and they could live with the separates system, aesthetically, I guarantee that the majority of them would opt for it over the iPod.

Why?

Because, as the test showed, it makes music sound better - pure and simple!!

Good thread this Marco. It's digressed a bit, but good thread.

I've been off the site for a while due to 'life' getting in the way so i didn't see it when it started.

Re the quote above; I see your point but there are a few caveats in there aren't there? For me, people genuinely into music will have a system other than an ipod/mp3 dock system, but I don't think lot of people are 'genuinely' into music in the way that say us lot on here are. People, ok younger people, nowadays consume music, like it's fast food. It's just there isn't it, wherever you go, blaring distortedly out of mobile phones and shops. There is no emotional connection to it.

I think people need to be more informed about what a system can do for them. When I was younger and started listening to music, I used my Dad's old music centre, one of those single unit things about 2ft wide with a record player, a cassette player and a radio. The key for me though was that I had a cousin a few years older than me and he had a large music collection and he had hifi separates. He had all sorts of gear and this was a huge influence on me. After that, I knew I didn't want a mini system or any kind of all in one unit. The separates just sounded better and, to me, and a lot of boys/men they have that certain electronics lab feel about them. You know, us guys love to unplug things, mess around with wires etc etc, doesn't matter what it looks like!

The thing is, the whole way that music is sold and listened to now has changed. If I was 14 now, I can't be sure that I wouldn't be buying an ipod dock system. Young kids probably have no idea about bit rates and compression when they download their music. They probably take it for what it is; they have nothing to compare it to, unless they have someone to show them that is.

So, what is your idea to show them?

[Spur07]

Good thread this Marco. It's digressed a bit, but good thread.

I've been off the site for a while due to 'life' getting in the way so i didn't see it when it started.

Re the quote above; I see your point but there are a few caveats in there aren't there? For me, people genuinely into music will have a system other than an ipod/mp3 dock system, but I don't think lot of people are 'genuinely' into music in the way that say us lot on here are. People, ok younger people, nowadays consume music, like it's fast food. It's just there isn't it, wherever you go, blaring distortedly out of mobile phones and shops. There is no emotional connection to it.

I think people need to be more informed about what a system can do for them. When I was younger and started listening to music, I used my Dad's old music centre, one of those single unit things about 2ft wide with a record player, a cassette player and a radio. The key for me though was that I had a cousin a few years older than me and he had a large music collection and he had hifi separates. He had all sorts of gear and this was a huge influence on me. After that, I knew I didn't want a mini system or any kind of all in one unit. The separates just sounded better and, to me, and a lot of boys/men they have that certain electronics lab feel about them. You know, us guys love to unplug things, mess around with wires etc etc, doesn't matter what it looks like!

The thing is, the whole way that music is sold and listened to now has changed. If I was 14 now, I can't be sure that I wouldn't be buying an ipod dock system. Young kids probably have no idea about bit rates and compression when they download their music. They probably take it for what it is; they have nothing to compare it to, unless they have someone to show them that is.

So, what is your idea to show them?

I agree Webby, but I'm not sure people are any less passionate about music than the rest of us, it just manifests itself in a different way. I think it represents a cultural shift. Not many of my friends of the younger generations have any concept of a CD as a physical entity - they play music on their computers and MP3 players, and as you say, they take it for what it is. Yet they all religiously attend music festivals, the latest gigs, and many play in their own bands. Some of them are open to new ideas or suggestions for music they might not of heard, and others are perfectly happy with what they've got and seek nothing more. I guess the question of how they listen to their music runs along similar lines.

[DSJR]

I haven't trawled through all this, but picking up on the earlier posts, an old Rega 2/R200/AT95E or NAD CD player at similar price, NAD 7020 receiver (to keep box numbers down over the identical 3020/4020) and Mission/KEF/B&W/Heybrook speakers (and similar) from the early eighties would make a wonderful cheap setup half the price of a "Zeppelin" and far better sounding. You can still plug an i-pod in via the aux inputs IMO

[Rare Bird]

The Heybrook 'HB-1' on 'HSB-1' Stands were amazing speakers for the low price they were, if i remember both the speakers & Stands reaped every award going back then in the '80's.

[Macca]

The Heybrook 'HB-1' on 'HSB-1' Stands were amazing speakers for the low price they were, if i remember both the speakers & Stands reaped every award going back then in the '80's.

I recall them as fuzzy, boxy and closed -in sounding...I wouldn't have had 'em even for free!

[Rare Bird]

You must have the wrang Speeka Martin

[Marco]

Mmmm... Can't say I've ever heard what you describe from HB-1s either, Martin

I've always rated (most) Heybrook speakers, along with their superb TT2 turntable, which I'd use anyday before an LP12.

Marco.

P.S Lee and Spursy, I'll come back to you later regarding your earlier observations

[Macca]

You must have the wrang Speeka Martin

Hmm - maybe! It was along time ago - and who wants to remember the 'eighties anyway?

[Marco]

Me! It was my favourite era on a number of levels... Remember the TV progs we discussed, for starters!

Marco.

[Macca]

Me! It was my favourite era on a number of levels... Remember the TV progs we discussed, for starters!

Marco.

Yes - but all of those were made in the 'sixties and 'seventies and we watched them in the 'seventies, not the '80s...and I know you are a big fan of the '80s synth-pop scene which I hated with a passion!

It would be a dull world if we all like the same things eh?

Just looked up the Heybrook HB1 and it is not the one I am thinking of - God knows what model it was - my pal's father was a doctor and had a set up in his study for listening to opera and suchlike- we used to sneak in and play rock n roll when he went out!