Article: Why We Need Audiophiles
Reply #822 – 2009-05-02 01:15:42
Is this thread on HA about envy over Fremer getting space on Gizmodo when HA doesn't? No, my own intention, as the original poster, was to see if there was an explanation for the experience of the author of the article. After all, here's a guy who seemed to experience an effect that doesn't really exist? Now, I'm in no way making the claim that that Fremer's system actually sounds better, however, the author certainly seemed to experience just that. Was this only the placebo effect, or self-deception based on visual cues? Personally, I think that the philosophies concerning digital integrity, double blind testing and psycho-acoustic modeling are quite correct. However, I still believe that there is an audible difference between inexpensive consumer grade systems and audiophile, or professional, systems. It is this personal belief that I was questioning.What would it take to for HA to get its 15 minutes of fame on sites like Gizmdo, and does the HA community even want it? Personally, I spend far more time, and effort, here at HA, then I ever will at Gizmodo. IMHO, Hydrogenaudio doesn't need fame, it has integrity, which is far more important.The problem that I have is with companies and apparently neutral reviewers who feed off of people's fears and gullibility, getting the victims to pay exhorbitant prices for products that do little or nothing for audio quality. Isn't getting people to purchase products at exorbitant prices, a reviewers job? In fact, isn't it scientists whose job it is to be neutral? Personally, I'm just glad that all those people are working!The FTC sometimes forces a company to remove advertising claims that they cannot substantiate. But have you ever heard of them protecting consumers of audio equipment from false claims? I haven't. Perhaps more advocates and consumers should complain to the FTC? Actually, I'm surprised I haven't seen many, many more dubious audio equipment claims debunked at HA.