[Mag]

I thought it might be a good idea to share some of our audiophile wisdom learned over the years to Younguns, who might be just getting started in the hobby.

Okay, I'll go first!

Tip:

1. Don't store your vinyl LPs near a heat register.

2. Don't fall asleep at night with the windows open listening at 92 decibels +.

3. 4 am is a good a time as any to drop the needle on a record for the sleepwalker in the house.

[rockadanny]

No matter how many terrific reviews (pro and/or consumer) a piece of kit has published, or how amazing its specs are, it does not mean it will sound good:

1. In your system;
2. In your room;
3. To your ears/brain.

Always listen to it first if possible, preferrably in your system or at least hear it somewhere or don't buy it (yet), or if you do, be prepared to resell it because it might not float your boat. And if you are able to audition it, take samples of the music you like to hear if it plays YOUR music satisfactorily.

[Laundrew]

Pay off your mortgage first before spending large on audio equipment 

Be well...

[RDavidson]

Higher priced gear is not always better. By that I mean, it's best to first assess your "needs" and budget. Synergy and having gear that is appropriate for your room and listening habits are key. One can easily put together a system of relatively inexpensive gear and have better sound than someone who just puts together a system based on (high) price alone.

[Photon46]

Too often, consumers offering advice about components on online audio forums lack broad listening experience across a spectrum of design and price points. They often have hidden agendas. Far too often, recommendations for gear are self validation for those offering it.

[geowak]

Too often, consumers offering advice about components on online audio forums lack broad listening experience across a spectrum of design and price points. They often have hidden agendas. Far too often, recommendations for gear are self validation for those offering it.

I would agree with this...generally speaking. Often Audiophiles and audio equipment they buy are not unlike kids presenting the toy they just bought to friends. Giddy, overly stimulated and unaware of the bias they have. Too much hype is given to products and the companies that make them. Except these toys can be very expensive. It's also important to note that forums actually help promote and advertise audio gear. Usually if a product is not good, fails too often or is not made well the forum is not the best place to air these problems. I think it's seen as bad business for the audio manufacturer. Therefore, the forum really only helps keep kids excited about toys, whether they are good or not. If you have plenty of money to throw around, great. If you don't, best to sift through all the hype too find the gems. It is also important to recognize good customer service from an audio company. Many time these guys fool you, and they just upsell you more gear, even when they have not properly addressed faults in the products they make. The best tip is the fact one can get a great education about all things audio from the AC members! This part of AC is just tremendous!

[James Tanner]

The demo is everything 

james

[1ZIP]

1. Have your hearing checked once a year.

2. Get a second job.

3. Always ask for a discount.

[95Dyna]

1.  A female dog will not lift her leg on your speakers.

2.  When you've had too much to drink stay away from your turntable.

3.  Placing your speaker cables on lifters will not throw a big soundstage.

[amblin]

1. Cats are nasty little buggers, they're especially attracted by large bookshelves on low stands. You know, their most comfortable height.

2. Snake oil wires and cables is a superstitious myth. A full time,  in house hypnotist is more effective, and cheaper.

3. Move to Canada, preferably Peterborough, Ontario.   

[*Scotty*]

NEVER sell a piece gear you already have to finance the purchase of something new without making the proposed new piece of gear fight for its place in your system.
Scotty

[Early B.]

1. Trust only your ears.

2. Power cords and interconnects make a huge difference!

3. Always spend more on a piece of gear than you can actually afford.

4. You will never be completely satisfied with how your system sounds, no matter how much time and money you spend.

5. Follow the DIY crowd for best bang for buck.

6. Don't take seriously any advice from guys who post on audio forums.
 

[Devil Doc]

Never believe anyone who's trying to sell you something.

Doc

[werd]

Never take advice from someone on an audio board who does not list their gear or gallery any of their stereo pics.

[BozemanEric]

Buy what you really want the first time. If you can't afford it, save until you can.

[Laundrew]

Buy what you really want the first time. If you can't afford it, save until you can.

 

Words to live by in this "instant gratification - must have it now at any cost, consumer society."

Remember that the banks are not your friends

Be well...

[pehare]

find a reasonably efficient, higher level impedance loudspeaker that you really like the sound of so you don't need a huge power amp.

[barrows]

Keep it simple, at least, at first.  Match your speakers to your room and your required listening levels, then choose an amp which matches with your speakers.  Some of today's integrated amps offer much better value, and equal performance, to a separate pre amp/amp combo.
Speakers first, source second, amplification third.  And stay away from tweaks until you get the basic set up sounding good.  Also, speaker placement is everything, do not even bother with high end stuff if you are unwilling to place speakers where they need to be to sound their best (away from the walls for most speakers).

[mcgsxr]

Buy quality affordable pieces.  Look for good reviews but look more for a sound you love.

Lastly, anyone who warranties an amp for 20 years can be trusted to build a solid piece well worth considering!

[MarvinTheMartian]

Start with HEADPHONES.
An $800 dollar set of headphones will easily blow away several thousand dollars worth of speakers.
And you don't have to listen to your little sister whine while you are studying.
I had a set of Sennheiser clamped to my head for four years.

Leperachaun