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In the Forum: Playback Listening
In the Thread: The “Inverted High End Audio” ™
Post Subject: High End and Haute CouturePosted by Antonio J. on: 10/9/2006
I agree with your thoughts. Current High End is to audio like Haute Couture is to fashion. You actually pay for something that a designer decided you may need (in fact he gives a damn if you need it or not always you buy it), and you take it as is, paying a high amount of money. Not the designer, nor the customer know if that thing is really worth that money regarding performance (sound for audio, wheather protection and good looks for clothes), and all you get is something others say is good, looks good and is above all very exclusive, but definitively is not worth its cost for the performance you get. The same way a "pret a porter" suit doesn't fit your body the same way a custom made suit or shirt would, a High End amplifier, speakers or DAC won't meet your objectives to have music sounding like music in your house.
Modern High End Audio is just a high status product, you pay for a brand, supposed high quality materials and manufacturing, and also to support an industry which is flawed from its conception. In this same way, as a mid-market product in audio may fit your needs as well or even better as a high end product, a mid-priced suit at Woolwart can fit you better and keep better your body heat than an Armani suit.
Are there any custom tailors in audio? Would Wilson produce for me something the size and price of the Sophias but without bass port, way higher sensivity and dead flat 8 ohm impedance to be driven with SET amps? I don't mean that would sound as I feel I need, but it would be a nice starting point hahaha.
Rgrds,
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