Still have problems with "audiophile". At least with this silly and in a way misleading word, made for feeling a little bit "special". For me HiFi is absolutely enough.
The border between "really better" and snake oil is often fluid. Quite sure no one can trust only in measurements. We all know discrepancies between real life and theory.
My approach "after all this years" is normally:
Can I hear a difference? If it sounds "better" for me I buy.
If I can hear a degradation for me I do not buy.
Personal strong belief is: If one likes, loves or simply wants to have any item (and can afford without changing his life style) it has to be reason enough. No forum has to patronize or be a joy killer. It is the buyer's money and fun! There are bombshell themes in hifi since decades. And my impression is that a bunch of people is only waiting for this. Do not ridicule someone for his actions or questions. Give an answer without personal tendency and with respect. Or give no answer. And for the ASR people: You all know very well that there is at least so much pro as contra for your approach. I understand that you like to be seen as the creme de la creme, but do not expect that reaction from everyone. For me debates about this things is pure fun, but making people feel unsafe or wrong treated is bs.
Written in my own name.
Wonderful and refreshing Achim. We are on the same page.
I was raised on vinyl, and I cannot remember many negative discussions on this subject....it was always a journey .....a learning curve....and from other people's experiences we tweaked & improved. It went a bit silly though, when they started recommending putting paper under the sofa feet
With the progression of digital, it seems to have polarised some people's thinking that its all ones & zeros, and the sound cannot be altered. I remember early on in the debate (also believing its all ones and zeros), how come I could hear a difference when I changed cable?
Also, one other point is the system in question is never mentioned. For sure, if you are using some Bluetooth speakers you will not hear a difference. But if you have a resolving system and are capable of critical listening, like vinyl, digital tweaks will make a difference.
As you say, people are welcome to an opinion and can take a scientific approach, but there is no need to shoot down a fellow enthusiast that hears a difference or to ask what personal qualifications the listener has! There is a forum for that already but not here.....
Opinions expressed are in my own name, and YMMV.
