Can we reclaim the heart and soul of Audiophiles by abandoning the word and seeking better sound while rejecting the anxiety of chasing the next shiny claim of fidelity?
Michael Andrew (aka Michael Perez), founder of Hive Marketing group and writer for StereoNet International, recently posted about declaring his independence from the term Audiophile. It is a very good read that I have long banged the drums about.
Yes, yes, and yes, again and again! The pursuit of audiophilia is something I have long struggled with. As a trained audio engineer who designed and installed custom home theaters and media rooms, Mr Perez/ Anddrew's enthusiasm and concerns are right on point.
Birds of a Feather, Leave the Flock Together
I adamantly (to the point of obsession) insist on being surrounded by quality sound, and none of us should have to settle for lousy file formats or subpar reproduction. Yet the audiophile community continues to ostracize anyone who first enters or strays from the cannon.
There is an oft-told joke about modern vinyl fans: What attracts them to the format is its expense and difficulty in making it work right.
Comedic simplifications aside, there is no better example of the overwrought and avarice of so-called audiophiles than the now-defunct Rocky Mountain Audio Show. This yearly gathering of self-important audio mystics chanting over meteorite-sourced metal tweeters and rare wood cabinets smoothed by exotic virgins from lost islands has killed the better audio aspirations of the masses.
Balance Without Anxiety or Sacrifice
While my technical knowledge and skill sets allow me the freedom to make the most of any setup, I have found Andrew Robinson's (former Home Stereo Review editor) reviews and insights just the right mix. In my humble opinion, Andrew has the right blend of lofty audio aspirations and real-world considerations.
I applaud Michael's declaration and look forward to hearing more about what discoveries he will make and how he finds a balance between the need for quality without the anxiety and avoiding the drive to continually make 'just one more tweak.'
