what is audio?

[Elliot G.]

Audio is more than the ability to write a check. Audio is more than some pretty boxes piled into a piece of furniture. Audio is more than everything being neatly stacked along the wall. Audio needs to work in an environment. Audio needs to follow the laws of physics and of nature. That is why you need someone with the expertise and the ability to advise and to help you maximize what you spend your hard earned money for. The skills required to optimize and select are like many other trades in that they are learned and practiced over time. Don't agree? try this. move your speakers a few inches in any direction and listen to what happens? This is only a piece of the puzzle. My father always taught me do your research on whom to buy from before you figured out what to buy.

 

[PeterA]

Elliot, you make it sound like you think someone should just find the right dealer who has a lot of experience and then just buy a system and be done. For me,, the answer to your question “What is Audio“? is more than what you propose. It is a hobby, an experience, a learning process, made all the more meaningful by the effort I put into it. I suspect the answer is different for each of us.

 

[Elliot G.]

Elliot, you make it sound like you think someone should just find the right dealer who has a lot of experience and then just buy a system and be done. For me,, the answer to your question “What is Audio“? is more than what you propose. It is a hobby, an experience, a learning process, made all the more meaningful by the effort I put into it. I suspect the answer is different for each of us.

No but it is a very good place to start. BTW Peter most people that buy audio are not "audiophiles" The overwhelming number are people that buy something they like and live with it until it breaks or they want something that is new, like a streamer or in the day a CD player. This forum is the minority most don't feel its a hobby but rather a way to enjoy music ...period

 

[PeterA]

No but it is a very good place to start. BTW Peter most people that buy audio are not "audiophiles" The overwhelming number are people that buy something they like and live with it until it breaks or they want something that is new, like a streamer or in the day a CD player. This forum is the minority most don't feel its a hobby but rather a way to enjoy music ...period

Sorry, Elliot. I guess I misunderstood the intent of the thread title and then your opening post. I shared what Audio means to me. You’re asking this question on a forum that is basically industry participants, and hobbyists. Your opening post reads like a marketing effort for your services as a knowledgeable dealer. Your follow up post implies that most people just want to buy an audio system so they can enjoy their music and need a knowledgeable dealer to set it up for them. I understand that the membership on WBF is not representative of most music listeners.

 

[tima]

BTW Peter most people that buy audio are not "audiophiles"

This forum is the minority most don't feel its a hobby but rather a way to enjoy music ...period

'Audiophile' means lover of sound. I don't know what most people buy, but can guess that the majority who enjoy music are probably not doing it for the sound, but for the music experience and the way it makes them feel. I suspect the audiophile may implicitly believe that 'better sound means more musical enjoyment' although this forum is dominated by many who enjoy talking about audio components and gear. It is fairly evident here who is into the music.

Means and ends.

There are likely not many who admit to playing music in order to exercise their audio systems although some may be uneasy about listening to music without thinking about their system.

Ultimately I don't think it really matters why people have stereos or why they enjoy music or what proportion of time they spend on what. But I can understand why a dealer would be curious about that. And I can understand how a knowledgeable and helpful dealer can be a place to start. Not "audio" but "selling audio" is a business -- I have no problem with that.

I do wonder why those selling audio got into it as a business. Was it the idea that they could make a living from something they enjoy? And what is that? Is it the enjoyment of music or something else? I see that Elliot has a list of 666 (?) pieces of music he suggests to play, including some from my favorite Paul Simon album.

edit: kinda odd this post does not show under 'New Posts' but does appear under latest activity.