Audiophilia - where sanity & common sense come to die

Well, let's call it a discourse, then.

On another site (dedicated to a particular audiophile brand) there's a thread of 3500 posts arguing about whether a particular firmware update had changed the 'organic' sound of their 30k systems. That's real audiophile dedication.
There are threads on the Lyrion forum claiming that some LMS versions sound better than others 🤷‍♂️
 
...didn't I read somewhere recently that the Ultra's screen has a negative effect on the sound/signal chain? At the same time, I saw sound optimizers who placed a 100 inch flat screen over their hi-fi components, I wonder if they ever measured the interference emission, EMC, of the panel... I hope I haven't spoiled anyone's weekend 😉
 
Hearing in my right ear is worse than the left - this is the major component of my 'audiophile' system. I think it needs a firmware update 😁
With modern hearing aids you can adjust the response of each ear independently with an app. No idea what the SINAD of a hearing aid is though 🤔
 
... 3500 posts arguing about whether a particular firmware update had changed the 'organic' sound ...
WiiM have claimed improvements to the sound quality of the Ultra via firmware update. And why not?

They avoided the term "organic", though. :P
 
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I suppose I could describe my preference for tube amps as more "organic" though it is just more distortion and perhaps the aspect listed below that to me sounds better, easier on the ears for longer term listening for me as well.

(One description I have read from difference sources and studied a bit is the way electrons flow like a waterfall over the plate is smoother sounding that the switching of transistors, etc....it has been decades since I looked into that so might not be stating this exactly right)

I am using a Baby Sophia 10 watt push pull tube amp I have had for a very long time and love it though I am looking into class D most likely with a tube front end, at least to try it out and at least partly DIY if not more so.

Rick
 
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I like this guy and really enjoy his videos for several reasons:

1 - he is authentic and fun, and talks in a language that everyone can understand.
2 - one of the very few who really talks to us mortals who are on a tight budget and appreciate some affordable gear and decent sound.
3 - is not afraid to unwrap all the crap and snake oil around audiophile world, even though he accepts to fall into it sometimes.
4 - if I´m looking for some new gear I would probably follow this guy´s opinion rather than snobby audiophiles who will say that everything below $2k is cheap crap.
5 - I don´t agree with him all the time.. I strongly believe that external dacs are overrated and a waste of money, while he worships some brands and models..it's ok, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. We don´t have to agree on everything.
 
he is authentic and fun
He might have been at one point in time. But he certainly no longer is.

I don't want to keep picking on the "cheap audio man" being an "expensive Porsche man" at the same time. But no, I don't think it helps his credibility. I shouldn't be too harsh with him, he's just trying to make some money from YouTube like so many others. If you believe in anybody on YouTube being a neutral expert, really knowing it all ... better think again.

There are those who seem to really believe in what they're doing. That's a good thing, but no guarantee that they know what they're talking about. I don't see Randy in this category, though. His videos are too cleverly produced to qualify.

Randy has just found his particular niche.
 
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He might have been at one point in time. But he certainly no longer is.

I don't want to keep picking on the "cheap audio man" being an "expensive Porsche man" at the same time. But no, I don't think it helps his credibility. I shouldn't be too harsh with him, he's just trying to make some money from YouTube like so many others. If you believe in anybody on YouTube being a neutral expert, really knowing it all ... better think again.

There are those who seem to really believe in what they're doing. That's a good thing, but no guarantee that they know what they're talking about. I don't see Randy in this category, though. His videos are too cleverly produced to qualify.

Randy has just found his particular niche.
Amir from ASR is probably closest to a neutral expert that you'll find on YouTube.
 
Having money doesn’t automatically imply you can’t still be cheap. Some people have money because they’re cheap, in fact.

-Ed

That, and on the other side envy is always corrosive leading to societal stagnation and loss of self-growth.
 
All nice calendar sayings 😉
I think this was more about credibility or whether you do things for the sole purpose of filling your wallet...At least that was my understanding.
 
That, and on the other side envy is always corrosive leading to societal stagnation and loss of self-growth.
Who said anything about envy? While this conclusion is plain wrong, your other claims are highly dubious, to say the least.
 
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