The golden rules for domestic hi-fi

[Steve Toy]

The idea for this thread came from Tasha and I think it's a good one. All rules are numbered 1:

1) Always try in your system before you commit to purchasing.

1) Never try anything at home that you cannot own.

1) Trust your ears. Measurements can be a useful guide but they only tell a very tiny part of the story. Manufacturers' own measurements are not always to be trusted anyway.

1) Don't shoot the messenger. Respect hierarchy and synergy. If an amp or cable sounds worse than what you are used to it may simply be telling the truth regarding what is further upstream. If you hear little improvement there may be a bottleneck somewhere in your system. Plan your upgrade path accordingly.

1) Setup is important. Modest yet well setup systems nearly always outperform exotic systems that are just thrown together.

This list is not exhaustive. Additions and comments are welcome.

[Iain Sinclair]

1) Don't shoot the messenger. Respect hierarchy and synergy. If an amp or cable sounds worse than what you are used to it may simply be telling the truth regarding what is further upstream. If you hear little improvement there may be a bottleneck somewhere in your system. Plan your upgrade path accordingly.

I'd add a rider to the effect that

1) More expensive doesn't necessarily = better. If something more expensive sounds worse than what you're used to, it may just be that it actually is worse.

This next point kind of implied in your first point, but I'd emphasise that:

1) Your room is an important element of your listening pleasure. What sounds right in one room might not work in a bigger/smaller/different shaped room

With regard to upgrade paths, I'd caution that

1) The upgrade path can become an expensive treadmill. Don't be afraid to jump off.

[Filterlab]

1) Don't believe that what you know is necessarily 'set in stone' truth, even if you believe it is.

1) Try everything even if you don't think it could possibly be better.

1) Use hi-fi magazines for information on products, but don't listen to the reviewer's opinions to judge the sound, your ears are for that.

[Marco]

The idea for this thread came from Tasha and I think it's a good one. All rules are numbered 1:

1) Always try in your system before you commit to purchasing, etc...

And another from Tasha to you: "You're buying bugger all that isn't CE approved!"

"And wipe those 'pish catchers' of yours before coming into the lounge!"

Tee hee...

Marco.

[Steve Toy]

I have introduced Tasha to the concept of 'self certification.' The Copper Amp doesn't exactly have any CE logo on it.

[Marco]

What about the 'pish catchers'?

You won't live that one down, btw!

Are they banned from the lounge?

Marco.

[Steve Toy]

The only thing banned from our lounge is ADM bloody Nines:

1) Never believe marketing hype spouted by empty vessels.

[penda]

1. If it sounds fantastic - it most likely will be tiring

1. does it really sound better - or am i kidding myself?

1. If SWHMO says it sounds crap, it usually does

[Filterlab]

...SWHMO...

What? What on earth does that mean?!

[Steve Toy]

'Er indoors/She Who Must Be Obeyed but the letters in the wrong order.