I’ll start:
- When record spindle hole dimensions are inconsistent and need correction
- Definitive nuggets like:
tubes sound warmer
Solid state sounds brighter
Silver conductors sound bright
…
3 Likes
I’d extend that to say any record pressing that is sub par - warp, off-centre, those weird little dents, all that carp. There was so much of it in the eighties I stopped buying them.
Also:
-
preamps without a tape loop
-
speaker (and aerial) terminals that demand bare wire and whoever decided consumers can’t be trusted with banana plugs.
4 Likes
I know. What is the deal with banana plugs???
3 Likes
Aftermarket power cables with male ends too wide or big around to allow more than one plug to reasonably fit side by side or top and bottom in a power distribution unit or duplex receptacle.
3 Likes
ditto
This. Of the thousands of records I have I can count maybe 100 that have spindle holes perfectly centered.
3 Likes
Cheap plastic remotes supplied with very un-cheap components
8 Likes
Vinyl snobs
Systems with way too much high frequency energy
3 Likes
absolutists
3 Likes
Products that come in pretty but pointlessly expensive packaging. For example, the cables I use come in high quality cardboard boxes with beautiful tip-on style graphics, with a zippered, heavily padded carrying case into which is a lovely drawstring nylon bag, into which is the cable, that is in a heavy plastic bag.
1 Like
Products that dictate the style of cable. For example, no RCA inputs.
All of the hate and implied envy from “objectivists”.
1 Like
ASR and everything they represent.
3 Likes
Focus on equipment rather than music, 'nuff said.
4 Likes
The quote: “Audiophiles don’t use their equipment to listen to your music.
Audiophiles use your music to listen to their equipment.”
Simple, really. Make good, well produced music and we will listen.
And otherwise, apologetic audiophiles. There is no need to apologize.
Aiming high and the want for better can be a noble pursuit.
Hating on that is a “them problem”, Not a “me problem”.
Be proud.
2 Likes
I agree. I love the music but I also love the gear. The gear fascinates me and makes me think just as much as does the music. It’s left brain AND right brain.
3 Likes
Making music itself is left brain / right brain.
3 Likes
Many audiophiles use music to listen to their gear. We have plenty of this stripe here. Nothing wrong with this. It is a hobby.
4 Likes
Neither approach is necessarily better. In my experience it is a matter of achieving a balance and not losing sight of the ultimate goal. If I obsess over the hardware I tend to loose sight of the performance. I am much happier when immersed in the performance.
6 Likes
Immersion is important.
Good gear and good music make getting there easier.
1 Like