Audiophiles' Lack of Respect Hurting Audio Industry

[Still-One]

In general I would agree with the article. My first comment is, if we can only enjoy music on our "audiophile" set-ups, then we really aren't in to music, we are into listening. Second, I find most "audiophile" recordings suck at being engaging. The are often well recorded but trite. I would have given up this hobby long ago if it wasn't for new music. I would jump off a bridge before buying another version of Kind of Blue, another release of Dark Side of The Moon, or (fill in the blank)........ Third, we often critical of Brand A or Brand B, but just because we don't like the result does not mean it was a design failure. Fourth, I purchase and play recordings for their content and how they interest me. Never would I consider how it sounds on my system.

Jim

[jdandy]

I'm not exactly sure why this subject is such a great concern to the author, Robert Archer. Furthermore, I find it almost comical that Facebook quotes are his inspiration for writing. What a valid source of qualified information comes from that network. I am surprised he didn't ask readers to Tweet him. To be honest, I don't get the impression Archer is much of an audiophile, either. He whines about lack of respect for audio engineers and audio equipment designers, but makes no mention of the thousands upon thousands of poorly recorded albums and CD's that millions of audiophiles purchased in good faith, only to discover a hastily done project, released for the benefit of everyone up the food chain except the end user, the audio enthusiast. The loudness war comes to mind, too. Yeah, I'm suppose to respect the engineers and producers of recordings designed only for the purpose of being the loudest on airplay. Give me a break. Respect is earned, not doled out as rightful dues. This doesn't mean there aren't plenty of talented people in the music industry that are producing amazing products, for which I have not notice any particular absence of praise for their fine contributions and products.

It is amusing that Robert speaks of audiophile's hurtful comments, then goes on to state matter of fact, "The masses listen to music while they work, drive and do household chores. Their end goal is entertainment, so it’s not important how they listen or why they listen." So what exactly is his point. High end audio gear, audiophile pressings of vinyl and SACD recordings will never be for the masses. The simple fact that high end audio is surviving and growing demonstrates that the music and the gear is embraced by those who care the most. Why else would we pay $30 to $50 for remastered vinyl recordings, $20 to $40 for XRCD's, SACD's, and hi-rez downloads, instead of 99 cents for an iTune song stored on a cell phone.

It is the love of music and it's clearest reproduction in our homes that drive us to our level of commitment for the music and high end equipment industries, in my opinion. We whole heartedly share our enthusiasm with anyone who shows a micron of interest in our hobby. We extol the talents of top notch artists and engineers, we spend much time and energy researching manufactures and auditioning equipment, and we release into the economy large sums of cash in support of our musical desires. When I can pass my enthusiasm to another individual, I do it without reservation. The real trick is finding those who have one wit of interest in high quality music reproduction in there homes. It is not the audiophile who is to blame for lack of interest in the general public for premium audio reproduction. Just because we demand premium equipment and recordings, and are willing to express our dissatisfaction with poor quality when it raises its ugly head, doesn't make us the enemy.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by jwhite613

It's not just audiophiles, Neil Young has no respect for digital music!

Jeff, he is just upset that no one can make his music sound good unless it is covered by another artist.

Jim

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Jeff, he is just upset that no one can make his music sound good unless it is covered by another artist.

Jim.......You speak the truth.

[Doug Lax]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I'm not exactly sure why this subject is such a great concern to the author, Robert Archer. Furthermore, I find it almost comical that Facebook quotes are his inspiration for writing. What a valid source of qualified information that network is. I am surprised he didn't ask readers to Tweet him. To be honest, I don't get the impression Archer is much of an audiophile, either. He whines about lack of respect for audio engineers and audio equipment designers, but makes no mention of the thousands upon thousands of poorly recorded albums and CD's that millions of audiophiles purchased in good faith, only to discover a hastily done project, released for the benefit of everyone up the food chain except the end user, the audio enthusiast. The loudness war comes to mind, too. Yeah, I'm suppose to respect the engineers and producers of recordings designed only for the purpose of being the loudest on airplay. Give me a break. Respect is earned, not doled out as rightful dues. This doesn't mean there aren't plenty of talented people in the music industry that are producing amazing products, for which I have not notice any particular absence of praise for their fine contributions and products.

It is amusing that Robert speaks of audiophile's hurtful comments, then goes on to state matter of fact, "The masses listen to music while they work, drive and do household chores. Their end goal is entertainment, so it’s not important how they listen or why they listen." So what exactly is his point. High end audio gear, audiophile pressings of vinyl and SACD recordings will never be for the masses. The simple fact that high end audio is surviving and growing demonstrates that the music and the gear is embraced by those who care the most. Why else would we pay $30 to $50 for remastered vinyl recordings, $20 to $40 for XRCD's, SACD's, and hi-rez downloads, instead of 99 cents for an iTune song stored on my cell phone.

It is the love of music and it's clearest reproduction in our homes that drive us to our level of commitment for the music and high end equipment industries, in my opinion. We whole heartedly share our enthusiasm with anyone who shows a micron of interest in our hobby. We extol the talents of top notch artists and engineers, we spend much time and energy researching manufactures and auditioning equipment, and we release into the economy large sums of cash in support of our musical desires. When I can pass my enthusiasm to another individual, I do it without reservation. The real trick is finding those who have one wit of interest in high quality music reproduction in there homes. It is not the audiophile who is to blame for lack of interest in the general public for premium audio reproduction. Just because we demand premium equipment and recordings, and are willing to express our dissatisfaction with poor quality when it raises its ugly head, doesn't make us the enemy.

I would agree again and say that the Audiophile loves the music and that producer and engineers need to look at themselves and wonder... are they in it for music and want to make a good recording or should the fastest way to a buck be guiding them. Some of the music from the fifties Ella + Louis comes to mind where the music is both good and good quality. It is not always the recording eng. fault the production can mess things up too. How many of us have had bad sounding disks that were then re issued and have much better sound quality.

[-E-]

Troll is as troll does.

Everybody has their place, the author of that article needs to learn his; hint: certainly not at the mountaintop spouting his opinion.

[Haurock]

I love it when individuals spout off about what they've read and make a general assumption. The foundation of his argument is flawed,.. but seriously flawed.

The thrust of this article is aimed at 'audiophiles' who diss product designers and recording engineers. His sort for the 'veracity' of his statement comes from comments on Facebook and such.

I'm sorry, but those comment are from self-proclaimed audiophiles and not necessarily audiophiles per se. Just becomes someone owns a unit that generates sound and has a pair of speakers that project the sound doesn't make that person and 'audiophile'....

Like any other 'professional' an audiophile has spent the majority of his/her life learning about 'audio'. They have a 'refined' ear.. they know a large quantity of products and brands.. they have, dare I say.. "experience".. and have earned the RIGHT to be nit-picky about what they hear and how it sounds... people who listen to background music, and we all do that, and never stop to appreciate the music are far.. very very very very very very far from being audiophiles... even if they say they love MUSIC....

I enjoy music. I enjoy a 'good' system,.. yes good here is relative to me.. I accept that.. I accept that what I consider 'good' may not be considered 'good' by someone else. An audiophile respects the opinions of another audiophile, even though they may radically disagree....

It is ironic, that the author shows a picture of a Wilson Audio Alexandra speaker as an example... I seriously doubt that even the harshest audiophile would say that that speaker is "not" enjoyable to listen to..

It goes with ole addage, "if you don't know what you are talking about... baffle 'em with bullshit"...

Pardon my language......

[jdandy]

Rock......So how do you REALLY feel?

[Haurock]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Rock......So how do you REALLY feel?

Ohhh.. I FEEL..GOOOD...... now...

[Volks]

Useless drivel lacking any real evidence to substantiate his whole article.