Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site
In the Forum: Playback Listening
In the Thread: “How audio might sound”
Post Subject: Re: Revealing QualityPosted by Paul Scearce on: 3/13/2005
My system is at a point that even hearing a system that does some things well stimulates me to improve the sound of my own system. I think one of the biggest challenges I face with audio is that of erroneous preconcieved notions of how it should sound. I feel that hearing a "better" system helps to break down some of those notions.
In his book, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainence", Robert Prisig wrote about Quality. He wrote about his pursuit of understanding what it is, and some of the things he felt nessecary to pursue quality itself. The pursuit of quality seems to involve being truly connected with what you are doing, and letting go of what you think you know about something, so you can observe what is really there. He mentioned that this is a skill that is difficult to pursue in just one area. It requires practice, and works best if you can apply it to everything you do.
He also mentioned the difference between quality and style. Style is much more superficial and easily noticed. I think style, not quality is the pursit of most manufacturers, and partially explains the bizarre situation of audio (among other things.) I think quality takes more time to develop and to be noticed, and doesn't generate a lot of sales.
I agree that a "Crucial playback" could be a very powerful tool for listeners, if it is approached with an open mind. I think with the same openness of mind, a listener can glean some useful information from a less than perfect playback as well.
PaulRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site