Who's right and who's wrong.

[Saturntube]

I listen to friends systems all the time and we are all very honest about our opinions, even rude! but that is the best way to go!

Upgrade path is the best way to go, New Moster cable, no need for anything better at this point, and maybe a cheap TT.... or an outboard DAC.
Service the amp and check out the speakers are working properly...

 

[Mike Lavigne]

i think that the fundamental principle here is having a circle of friends/systems where gear can be inserted to get some objectivity. personally i'd like to think i'm objective, and that my system is truthful, but my experience tells me that is a foolish viewpoint to rely on. i try to have regular visits from people who are familiar with my system, yet can be brutally honest with me. they constantly bring gear to my room from their rooms and we listen....even software. when there are inconsistencies we investigate why. the answer is not always what you want to hear.

as far as honesty toward a system with obvious problems, one has to be asked for the help first......and then know that person well enough to know that honestly is truely desired. not everyone is as open-minded as they might claim. it's always best for the friend in need to actually hear the problem for themselves and express a wish to attain that for themselves or fix the problem.

i know i've been that person sometimes myself.

i cringe when i think about where my system would be if i never had anyone's honest feedback.

 

[DaveyF]

I listen to friends systems all the time and we are all very honest about our opinions, even rude! but that is the best way to go!

Upgrade path is the best way to go, New Moster cable, no need for anything better at this point, and maybe a cheap TT.... or an outboard DAC.
Service the amp and check out the speakers are working properly...

That's interesting, however, I am NOT going to suggest any upgrades to this guy. I don't believe that he is interested in my opinion as to his system. It was a surprise to me when he acquired the CAT and I'm sure he did it due to a prior conversation we had, wherein I was so enthusiastic about it when discussing my system.

I'm sure he must realize the shortcoming of his system and IF not I don't think it is my place to throw them in his face.

My point to this thread is that i think it is a very easy trap to fall into when inserting a superior sounding piece of gear into one's system, to assign a lower opinion of said gear due to the fact that the ancillary gear is
a) either being heard now to its true ability or, b) to believe that the new piece is not up to one's expectation; as one fails to realize or hear that the new piece is unable to show what it can do, due to the ancillary piece's negative influence.

 

[rbbert]

...My point to this thread is that i think it is a very easy trap to fall into when inserting a superior sounding piece of gear into one's system, to assign a lower opinion of said gear due to the fact that the ancillary gear is
a) either being heard now to its true ability or, b) to believe that the new piece is not up to one's expectation; as one fails to realize or hear that the new piece is unable to show what it can do, due to the ancillary piece's negative influence.

I think much more common is choosing the right part of the system to upgrade and then deciding that more upgrades would also be beneficial (and feeling more urgency about it than before the first upgrade in the chain), which I think is a little different than your two options.

Hard to believe that you wouldn't suggest a new disc player, if his current one is actually as you described.

 

[Sammy T]

This might be a starting point to upgrade all newer gear around his preamp. Lots of really goods deals and options right now , if your a smart shopper.

 

[mep]

Since his only source is a broken CD player, that might be the place to start.

 

[DaveyF]

as far as honesty toward a system with obvious problems, one has to be asked for the help first......and then know that person well enough to know that honestly is truely desired. not everyone is as open-minded as they might claim. it's always best for the friend in need to actually hear the problem for themselves and express a wish to attain that for themselves or fix the problem.
.

Guys, this is my feeling exactly, particularly since he hasn't asked me for my help.

 

[flez007]

That's interesting, however, I am NOT going to suggest any upgrades to this guy. I don't believe that he is interested in my opinion as to his system. It was a surprise to me when he acquired the CAT and I'm sure he did it due to a prior conversation we had, wherein I was so enthusiastic about it when discussing my system.

I'm sure he must realize the shortcoming of his system and IF not I don't think it is my place to throw them in his face.

My point to this thread is that i think it is a very easy trap to fall into when inserting a superior sounding piece of gear into one's system, to assign a lower opinion of said gear due to the fact that the ancillary gear is
a) either being heard now to its true ability or, b) to believe that the new piece is not up to one's expectation; as one fails to realize or hear that the new piece is unable to show what it can do, due to the ancillary piece's negative influence.

I would assume that we all had fallen into this trap, not necessarily because a faulty system but a synergy issue - I have had back some gear I previously sold because its performance was not there and then took it back (my last Gryphon preamp was a good example) because in the new system it worked pretty well. (not sorry to admit it....)

 

[JackD201]

That's interesting, however, I am NOT going to suggest any upgrades to this guy. I don't believe that he is interested in my opinion as to his system. It was a surprise to me when he acquired the CAT and I'm sure he did it due to a prior conversation we had, wherein I was so enthusiastic about it when discussing my system.

I'm sure he must realize the shortcoming of his system and IF not I don't think it is my place to throw them in his face.

My point to this thread is that i think it is a very easy trap to fall into when inserting a superior sounding piece of gear into one's system, to assign a lower opinion of said gear due to the fact that the ancillary gear is
a) either being heard now to its true ability or, b) to believe that the new piece is not up to one's expectation; as one fails to realize or hear that the new piece is unable to show what it can do, due to the ancillary piece's negative influence.

Boy, I hope he never reads this thread then!

 

[DaveyF]

Boy, I hope he never reads this thread then!

Jack, that's a good one, LOL. OTOH, IF he does, then hopefully he can take something positive away from it.

 

[JackD201]

LOL! I know right? LOL!

 

[LenWhite]

IF he does, then hopefully he can take something positive away from it.

Hopefully if he does read this thread he'll understand the main point of my OP is, if implemented properly the "system foundation" approach will improve even modest audio systems; and at a minimum allow one to more clearly hear differences when considering existing audio hardware replacement.

 

[mep]

Politely telling someone you know well enough to have been in their home and had them in your home that their stereo is in need of some TLC and some upgrading is not “throwing it in their face.” That’s what friends do or even acquaintances do. It’s all in the ‘tude.