tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post509339840724315756..comments2024-03-18T20:47:45.936-07:00Comments on <em>Archimago's Musings</em>: MUSINGS: On Being an Audiophile, Rationality, and Respectability (Thoughts on the Hardware Audiophile Hobby)Archimagohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-81059435571826557572021-01-17T18:07:47.679-08:002021-01-17T18:07:47.679-08:00Absolutely Alex! (Apologies for the late response!...Absolutely <em>Alex</em>! (Apologies for the late response!)<br /><br />Metal can definitely sound amazing with a good sound system... But I don't think it ever sounds good with a value of DR3 like <em>Death Magnetic</em>. While I'm not much of a metal guy, I still love my hard rock - things like Guns N' Roses <em>Appetite For Destruction</em> at DR10-DR11 is fantastic :-).<br />Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-62162929563697687692021-01-17T18:01:46.445-08:002021-01-17T18:01:46.445-08:00Thanks Photowitness!
I certainly agree that audio...Thanks <em>Photowitness</em>!<br /><br />I certainly agree that audiophilia has too much nonsensical BS. Philosophically I think we need to come back to having a good understanding of what we're after. And then making sure that we're communicating in a way that reflects "real life" and objective truths (as best we can :-).<br /><br />Welcome!<br />Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-9248625291080983732021-01-17T02:00:31.285-08:002021-01-17T02:00:31.285-08:00Hi, I'm new to this blog (and late to this art...Hi, I'm new to this blog (and late to this article) but I wish I had find this site before. You give a clear insight on where the audiophile market is today. I started my hobby half a decade ago and was frustrated about the lack of objective and useful information that can be found on high end gear. Not to mention the amount of intelligence-insulting BS that pollutes our hobby (and the 'Photowitnesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18024321911989945593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-50260605048534880942018-05-21T04:55:38.703-07:002018-05-21T04:55:38.703-07:00If you make certain genres as "fixtures"...If you make certain genres as "fixtures", you basically predefine the demographics for your product. And the problem with that is you loose the hearts and minds of perhaps future audiophiles in the audience during the demo.<br /><br />Another note: You know metal can sound good folks. I know Metallica's Death Magnetic has become the poster-child for the DR crisis we all live in. ButAlexMetalFihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10911692344196588308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-69476485302782173072017-06-17T09:29:25.889-07:002017-06-17T09:29:25.889-07:00Thanks for sharing AI!
I like that idea of "s...Thanks for sharing AI!<br />I like that idea of "serious" audio based on technical excellence and dissociating this "class" of devices from the cost itself. Nice.<br /><br />It is indeed unfortunate that so much of the LP gear these days are those cheap turntables... Rather tragic to think that many folks will pay good money for excellent 180gm pressings yet playing them on Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-46566796904140148052017-06-16T16:00:31.871-07:002017-06-16T16:00:31.871-07:00Archimago, this is excellent analysis and writing,...Archimago, this is excellent analysis and writing, as always, and I wish I could do as well at my website. I agree pretty much completely.<br /><br />Sadly from time to time I've gotten lazy and made many of the mistakes you describe. The High End term popularized by Harry Pearson is an elitist term and sets up the table for endlessly selling overpriced stuff and pushing prices for 'Audio Investigatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17831968195627932789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-32376584320817776782017-05-27T07:45:59.411-07:002017-05-27T07:45:59.411-07:00You're very fortunate Anthony to have a good d...You're very fortunate Anthony to have a good dealer with such liberal policies on this!Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-51275304096670806252017-05-26T06:46:36.891-07:002017-05-26T06:46:36.891-07:00i live near chicago's music direct and their 6...i live near chicago's music direct and their 60 day return policy is extremely generous. i have been waffling back and forth on keeping the sony hap z1es player and decided to keep it just short of the 60 day window. <br />the policy is also good for trying different interconnect cables. the hap player is especially sensitive to the brand / model of interconnects feeding the amp.anthony anellohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970543164488873620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-71969865313574904042017-05-22T23:03:41.936-07:002017-05-22T23:03:41.936-07:00Sad indeed, Denis.
At least the quality of the pr...Sad indeed, Denis.<br /><br />At least the quality of the pro gear will get better and better at lower prices as well so hopefully the price will be within reach of the proverbial "starving" artist.<br /><br />Let's just hope they at least learn the importance of not clipping the digital capture. Even if the mixing and mastering sucks, at least there's the hope of going back to Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-1654669866294605202017-05-22T08:27:13.555-07:002017-05-22T08:27:13.555-07:00An other problem...: while reproduction has reach ...An other problem...: while reproduction has reach the "ultimate" quality level, we see more and more emerging musicians with very limited $$$ resources recording themselves in their basement with using DAW with low quality microphones and almost no sound engineering skills. Too bad that the quality of new recordings is often worse than those made years ago...DColbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02194041666378116593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-14831902388705073322017-05-21T08:59:33.434-07:002017-05-21T08:59:33.434-07:00Yes Anthony. I agree those are the steps forward. ...Yes Anthony. I agree those are the steps forward. And I would also add that audiophiles try their best to determine the effect of placebo, sighted listening for themselves... It's about "knowing thyself" and one's own limitations.<br /><br />You've brought up a very important point...<br /><br />These days, with sky high prices for many devices, I do hope that the return andArchimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-36543908939448787652017-05-21T06:58:34.581-07:002017-05-21T06:58:34.581-07:00The curse of an audiophile is being able to hear t...The curse of an audiophile is being able to hear the difference. <br />The way to avoid being exploited by the industry is to become educated. <br />Immerse yourself at dealers, audio shows, local friends and clubs so you develop your "sound". Look to understand the value in what you purchase. <br />Learn how to set up and optimize the sound of what you own. <br />Of course it doesn&anthony anellohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970543164488873620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-79108998515500730592017-05-19T12:24:10.641-07:002017-05-19T12:24:10.641-07:00Hey blog...
Right, with regards to:
"How muc...Hey blog...<br /><br />Right, with regards to:<br />"How much of a premium are you willing to pay for a 96kHz versus 48 or 44.1kHz FLAC file?"<br /><br />I'll throw out the number - 25% more AT MOST. If a CD costs $10, I will not pay more than say $13 for a 24/96 download of something I know was recorded well. Not DR6 pop stuff! That's just my personal opinion of course as Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-73200922859368231242017-05-19T01:30:03.136-07:002017-05-19T01:30:03.136-07:00>... which is all the rage in new products and ...>... which is all the rage in new products and claims including the recent MQA discussions.<br /><br />MQA (a subject you've written a lot about) was, in fact, one of the reasons for my question about your view on 96kHz sample rates. There, the idea seems to be to deliver something that is *effectively* 16/96 in a format that "looks like" (and more-or-less behaves like) a 24/48 Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-23308495073832064482017-05-16T17:27:05.084-07:002017-05-16T17:27:05.084-07:00Hey Daniel.
Every once awhile I run into a link f...Hey Daniel.<br /><br />Every once awhile I run into a link from the Beekhuyzen Channel and have a peek... Yeah... He has some measurement devices in the background and once awhile I see that he presents a graph or two. But so much of his assertions and conclusions contradict my own personal experience and findings.<br /><br />It's like I'm watching images from an alternate universe Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-77254650946961382622017-05-16T17:21:53.477-07:002017-05-16T17:21:53.477-07:00A pleasure. Cheers, Hal!
A pleasure. Cheers, Hal!<br />Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-10960078316100031872017-05-16T17:20:37.894-07:002017-05-16T17:20:37.894-07:00Great link.
A classic example of sanity from the ...Great link.<br /><br />A classic example of sanity from the AES.Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-83407900982582891632017-05-16T17:18:25.705-07:002017-05-16T17:18:25.705-07:00Well John, I think the question is one of ultimate...Well John, I think the question is one of ultimate motive.<br /><br />I believe it is good for reviewers and press to not be "in bed" with the Industry. And it doesn't matter what industry because ultimately companies and corporations are interested in the "bottom line" whether it be the financial system, cars, drugs, retail sales... Influence is predictably towards the Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-84431973276871636122017-05-16T14:54:13.228-07:002017-05-16T14:54:13.228-07:00Good man John; sounds like you're more in the ...Good man John; sounds like you're more in the "music lover" side of the hobby.<br /><br />But I think you do highlight an important piece that makes you a semi-audiophile at least :-) - heck, if you weren't "semi" I fail to see what you're doing here!<br /><br />Fidelity captivates, doesn't it? That ability of better technical gear to capture the fidelity Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-4590740770860615072017-05-16T14:40:27.804-07:002017-05-16T14:40:27.804-07:00Thanks for the note BB. Nice analogy by the way wi...Thanks for the note BB. Nice analogy by the way with the auto industry!<br /><br />This is exactly what it comes down to many times in articles I've seen:<br />As consumers, we are left with “If it sounds good, then it must be good”.<br /><br />Heck, some audiophile writers even seem to promote this IMO rather limited evaluation.<br /><br />While this is a fine sentiment for someone who just Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-56413606989380558732017-05-16T13:55:38.653-07:002017-05-16T13:55:38.653-07:00Sure Audio, why don't we connect by PM on Comp...Sure Audio, why don't we connect by PM on ComputerAudio?<br /><br />Over the years I have had contact with people in the Industry. As well I have met and discussed with some well known folks at sponsored events. Remember that much of what I talk about here are fundamental viewpoints from the perspective of hobbyists and in surveying the science and technology. In doing that how I view things Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-45272514899525827282017-05-16T12:47:37.151-07:002017-05-16T12:47:37.151-07:00Hi Blog, thanks for the comments!
1. I agree, it&...Hi Blog, thanks for the comments!<br /><br />1. I agree, it's not persuasive if our target is whether we can hear the difference or not. What I think we can say is that *practically*, it's easy to have good music in 24/96 (or 24/88 for that matter) because it's a "standard" which all hi-res DACs would be capable of decoding. Likewise all DVD/Blu-Ray/UHD Blu-Rays can decode Archimagohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08642574001287787545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-75002014310084106072017-05-16T11:10:32.828-07:002017-05-16T11:10:32.828-07:00A well rounded and sensibly reasoned article, than...A well rounded and sensibly reasoned article, thank you. <br /><br />The links - many already familiar to me - provided great support and a nice rabbit hole that ended with a complete collection of Vacuum Tube Valley issues. <br /><br />Plus, its always fun to try to follow the arguments presented on the Hans Beekhuyzen Channel!Daniel Deverellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14719892115482875208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-69572605991949385982017-05-16T10:21:38.820-07:002017-05-16T10:21:38.820-07:00Thanks for this eminently sane and useful overview...Thanks for this eminently sane and useful overview. I’m going to be musing on a number of points you’re making for awhile. You’re performing an great public service and have become one of my favorite hi-fi writers, so keep cool and carry on!Hal Espenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08814217088173209717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4781727111866727703.post-85323557602523644542017-05-15T03:15:45.786-07:002017-05-15T03:15:45.786-07:00I've been meaning to check out the assertions ...I've been meaning to check out the assertions on this page for a while now ...<br />http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/20-20khz/4375907/Audio-Myths-Workshop-video-<br />... i.e. actually run the tests for myself instead of just sucking it up.<br />Working in isolation can be good for one's objectivity ... when faced with deceitful 'experts'!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15526588459003084258noreply@blogger.com