Audiophiles are the stupidest fucking people in the world
434 replies, posted
There is almost no other group that prides themselves more on wasting good money on utterly worthless shit, and then trying to furiously blow smoke up their own ass to justify it. With the help of the website audiophilia.com and two special reviews, I hope to convince you of this fact.
First off, we have something mundane yet still idiotic. It's called the [B][B]LessLoss Audio Devices DFPC Signature Power Cord, and [/B][/B]don't let the name fool you, because this is literally just a power cord.
A goddamned gorgeous power cord
[IMG]http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/lessloss.jpg[/IMG]
But still a power cord.
But no, according to our good friend Mr. Martin Appel, it's more than worth it's [highlight]$1149[/highlight] price. Why? Well it's simple: [URL]http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/?p=3020[/URL]
[quote]After about 100 hours of burn in I began the serious listening and evaluation process. My first reaction was these are the most transparent cords I ever had in my system. It seemed as if all the music was coming through without any confusion or muddying. All the parts were more crystal clear than ever. I must attribute this to a tightening of the focus of the images with greater separation of instruments allowing the smallest of detail to claim its rightful place in the total musical landscape. This was true from CD as well as vinyl.
This transparency did not come at the expense of body or weight of instrumental presentation. If anything there was a gain in solidity and three - dimensionality. Instruments had that in-the-room feel with full resonance and texture. Voices had a more natural quality and were more human in size with a gain in nuance and shading that brings us closer to the real thing. In general, the instruments had a more life size image that approached reality. Some power cords produce larger than life, oversized images. Not the LessLoss.
I must also note that the soundstage became further delineated with the addition of the Signatures in the system. The air around instruments added to the separation and greater articulation of the music. Space seemed to expand.
Bass reproduction benefitted as well. Whether it was the ability to focus, with greater detail, or the cleaner presentation, the bass exhibited an increase in power and impact that was impressive. My AZ reference cords produced bigger and slightly oversized bass performance in comparison. The LL’s produced a tighter, more focused, bass presentation that grabbed me.
[/quote]Before you point it out, yes this person burnt in a power cable. As we can see, this humble power cord is practically magical in it's audio improvement qualities. Of course, there is no objective measures in this, only speak of "soundstages" and "space" and vauge comments about how the sound just SOUNDS better and it's worth it because of that. But this is practically science next to the other review.
Here we have possibly the worst woo I have ever seen. The [B]AER Disc Energizer. [/B]This magic (literally) little item supposedly improves the sound of a Cd by shining a light on it. No i'm not kidding. See for yourself: [URL]http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/?p=4744[/URL]
[IMG]http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/aer.jpg[/IMG]
[quote]
Its goal is to “improve” the sound of CDs. It is a catalyst in the process and its method of operation is simple. Place the CD on a spindle, which becomes illuminated for 5 seconds. Then, remove the disc and play. Its effect lasts for 82 minutes. It is battery driven by 2 aaa batteries.
Unfortunately, the company’s [URL="http://www.innoworkspc.com/"]website[/URL] offers no explanation as to how/why the product works nor a description of the materials within the device. Although the pamphlet accompanying the product states the expected effect from using the energizer upon the sound of a stereo system The synthetic proof of the efficacy of the product is absent, leaving an air of mystery and one’s senses as the sole mode of evaluation.
[B]Listening Results[/B]
While reviewing the Nagy’s digital cable, it seemed to make sense to apply the Energizer following the play of each recording. Thus, I generated a comparison between the sound of a stereo system with and without the use of the energizer. I will therefore, report my findings associated with each recording that was included in my review of the Nagy’s digital cable. I will mention a brief description of each disc so that it will not be necessary to have a copy of the Nagy’s review or refer to it , while reading this review.
Disc #1, was Holly Cole, DON’T SMOKE IN BED, track 1, Alert Z2 81020.
I found the bass frequencies more distinct, yet just as full, I.e., exhibiting the same weight. There was less emphasis upon the word “see”, I.e., a reduction in sibilance. A layer of veiling was removed and the remaining sibilance sounded more natural, perhaps resembling what one would hear at a recording session.
Disc #2 was FANDANGO–SCARLATTI IN IBERIA, Sophie Yates, Harpsichord, track1, Chandos 0635.
The sound of the harpsichord revealed greater weight and less sharpness, when strings were struck. There was more presence of the wood body and there seemed to be a change in the spectral balance away from the treble and towards the mid and upper bass.
Disc #3 was the CD Steely Dan AJA, MCAD 37214 DIDX 55, track 3.
Donald Fagan’s voice exhibited greater separation from the other instruments on the recording. The spectral balance seemed to be unchanged. However, overall, the effect of the sound reminded me of the sound of tubes, in the subtractive sense, creating a sense of euphonic coloration and hence pleasantness, as exemplified by the sound of the chorus, being less focused and slightly less resolved. The tenor sax sounded more natural in its timbral resolution, after using the Energizer.
The application of the Energizer to the CD Together, featuring John Williams and Julian Bream, track 1, RCA 09026-61450-2, restored some of the presence of the wood body that was initially absent . Both instruments sounded more realistic.
Thus, there was a change , again, in the spectral balance, away from the upper midrange/lower treble region toward the lower mids. The frequency response seemed more in balance having treated the disc.. However, the distance between listener and performers seemed to diminish.
There was a surprise when treating the last disc, Wessanaer’s Concerti Armonici,, for violin ensemble and continuo, track 5, Naxos 8.55384. While there was a greater extension in the bass, as evidenced by a greater presence in the bass viols, as well as greater fullness and warmth, the harpsichord became clearer,I.e., an extension in the treble. Yet, there was observed some veiling which reduced the realism in the sound of the violins–less so than when the disc was not treated. Thus, in spite of greater presence of the harpsichord, the violins still seemed subdued, but less so. It seemed that coloration was reduced, but not eliminated.
[B]Conclusion[/B]
Although the AER Energizer has an “air” of mystery as a consequence of a lack of information about the product, there was evidence of a sonic effect each time a disc was treated.
In spite of one surprise, there seemed to be a consistent pattern regarding bass response, and naturalness of timbre, in the context of the components of my stereo system.
The effect of the energizer upon the upper frequencies,, i,e, upper mids, lower and upper treble, varied with the recording. I noticed, in one case, an extension in the treble, in another , I observed no change, while in another case, I heard a reduction in the spl in the upper mid/lower treble region. It is difficult to account for the changes I perceived, as I have no objective data to account for my subjective findings. The lack of “knowledge “ of the sound of the recordings and the limited sample size of the sources renders any hypotheses about why and how the Energizer is affecting the upper frequencies moot.
I feel more confident that the Energizer can enhance the presence of the lower frequencies,and contribute to a sense of fullness. I would say that from my brief exposure to the Energizer, I would say that it creates a less “digital” sounding CD, in the conventional sense, and closer to the sound of an LP. Thus, the AER Energizer may mitigate or address some of the flaws of many recordings and in some way may be synergistic with Nagys digital cable.[/quote]A LIGHT SHINED ON A READ-ON MEDIA MAKES IT SOUND BETTER
There's no possible mechanism it could work on, no rhyme or reason why it would work, but it does! It makes a CD sound less digital, whatever that could possibly mean, and it does this: "Thus, the AER Energizer may mitigate or address some of the flaws of many recordings and in some way may be synergistic with Nagys digital cable." No explanation whatsoever, just a magical woo light that addresses flaws that you make up to make it seem valid.
And the best part? It's almost [highlight]$900[/highlight]
A magic CD light is $900. And people have bought it, and given it good reviews. If that doesn't speak to insanity, I have no idea what would.
Or they're just people that listen to lossless audio.
Skullcandy is up to par with listening to music through a bag of shit.
adobe after effects is over 900 dollars and people still buy that shit
True audiophiles procure equipment that actually works, gullible retards buy this shit.
[QUOTE=Miskatonic;26260300]Or they're just people that listen to lossless audio.[/QUOTE]
No. I listen to lossless. I love FLAC, I have a few albums in 24/96. This is not that. This is insanity.
[QUOTE=Death Giver;26260319]adobe after effects is over 900 dollars and people still buy that shit[/QUOTE]
This is because it is a useful program that has features and usability that other programs do not. It is a professional suite of software with a specialized usage.
It is not the software equivalent of a device that shines light on a CD.
Learn some engineering, those powercords actually have a purpose in audio.
But basically, yeah. No reason for them to be so stupid expensive. I don't like audiophiles either.
[QUOTE=Apocalypsox;26260351]Learn some engineering, those powercords actually have a purpose in audio.
But basically, yeah. No reason for them to be so stupid expensive. I don't like audiophiles either.[/QUOTE]
No they don't, the only thing you need to do to audio (and this is only if you're mastering through a bunch of rackmount gear or something) is condition it. You don't need a specialty cable for that, but a special device (usually ~$500 or so for a good one).
This is for home audio, and is just a power cord, not a power conditioner.
[QUOTE=Death Giver;26260319]adobe after effects is over 900 dollars and people still buy that shit[/QUOTE]
nope, they :yarr: it. unless they're a business or something.
[highlight](User was banned for this post ("warez" - Lithifold))[/highlight]
For a moment I thought Spork-Juct was back, don't scare me like that.
Oh and here's a link to an earlier topic I made about this stuff, equally funny shit: [url]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/956203-High-end-Audiophile-equipment-hilariously-expensive-or-outrageously-useless[/url]
Cables and shit can make a difference in audio quality. Not a "large" difference, but a difference none-the-less. Its the same idea as speakers, better quality speakers = better quality sound. (But cords and shit don't need to be $1000 more :/)
i like skullcandy
[QUOTE=Miskatonic;26260300]Or they're just people that listen to lossless audio.[/QUOTE]
You can still get high quality lossy audio for a much cheaper price.
[QUOTE=thedekoykid;26260572]Cables and shit can make a difference in audio quality. Not a "large" difference, but a difference none-the-less. Its the same idea as speakers, better quality speakers = better quality sound. (But cords and shit don't need to be $1000 more :/)[/QUOTE]
Past a certain point, no they don't. With digital, past not working and not having dropped bits, they physically can't.
[QUOTE=bobste;26260594]i like skullcandy[/QUOTE]Then you're part of the problem as to why you could find a pair of quality headphones for $20 at any electronics store in 2000, yet today all you find is $50 Skullcandy shitphones.
Seriously, that's what Skullcandy does: they take $5 horrible shitty headphones, throw a skull on them and some quirky design, and resell them for $50.
I still haven't bothered to buy a soundcard. Sounds just fine the way it is
What the fuck this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen. Redbook audio has very specific limitations to the frequency response on CDs, there's no way to improve it; it's fucking digital data. The only way to improve digital sound quality it to make it 48 or above KHZ and make it 24 bit, which is what SACDs are for.
Leave people to their hobbies and passions. It's not like they're hurting you in some way.
[QUOTE=thedekoykid;26260572]Cables and shit can make a difference in audio quality. Not a "large" difference, but a difference none-the-less. Its the same idea as speakers, better quality speakers = better quality sound. (But cords and shit don't need to be $1000 more :/)[/QUOTE]You don't seem to understand what those cords are made out of. More than likely, it's either gold plated or pure gold cabling. It DOES make a difference, but you'd have to have a $10k system already to hear it.
[QUOTE=MercZ;26260729]Leave people to their hobbies and passions. It's not like they're hurting you in some way.[/QUOTE]
Oh it's not like I want to stop them. By all means, they should waste massive amounts of money on utterly useless, overpriced shit. They have the freedom to do that, and I have the freedom to make fun of them for it.
I present to you the [B]Denon AKDL1 Dedicated Link Cable[/B].
[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VDnWJV9BL.jpg[/img]
[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41T0NHP6wdL.jpg[/img]
Yes, this is a 1.5 meter long [B]ethernet cable[/B]. Price - only [highlight]$999.99[/highlight] plus shipping.
Other great features of this cable include:
[list]
[*] Dedicated DENON LINK cable made of high-purity copper wire
[*] Get the purest signal from multi-channel DVD and CD playback through Denon receiver
[*] Connector and cable structure designed to thoroughly eliminate adverse effects from vibration
[*] Rounded plug lever on connector to prevent bending or breaking
[*] Measures 1.5 meters long (59 inches)
[/list]
It's available to buy [url=http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AKDL1-Dedicated-Link-Cable/dp/B000I1X6PM]right here on amazon[/url].
Let's have a look at a review shall we?
[release]After I took delivery of my $999.99 Denon AKDL1 Cat-5 uber-cable, Al Gore was mysteriously drawn to my home, where he pronounced that Global Warming had been suspended in my vicinity.
Yes, I had perfect weather: no flooding, no tornadoes, the exact amount of rain necessary, and he pronounced sea levels exactly right and that they were not going to rise within five miles of my house.
Additionally, my cars began achieving 200 mpg and I didn't even need gasoline. I was able to put three grams of cat litter into the tank and drive forever.
What's more, the atmosphere inside my home became 93% oxygen and virtually no carbon dioxide. In fact, I now exhale oxygen.
One heck of a cable.
Didn't notice any improvement in audio quality though. [/release]
Other uses of the cable include:
[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514zYEYMDCL.jpg[/img]
[quote]The use of this cable and its purest copper conductor capabilities, eliminate the adverse effects from communication and helps stabilize the transmission when passing through forcefields. The cable used on Prototype No. 023 caused the gun to reset itself when passing through forcefields. With this pure cable this no longer happens, and the subject can reach his destination without problem.
[/quote]
It appears to be a great cable, but i'd probably just end up with some of [url=http://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-K2-terminated-speaker-cable/dp/B000J36XR2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1]this[/url].
I just use FLAC versions of music, and my $80 headphones. Sounds perfect to me.
Oh man Cosmic...one grand for an Ethernet cord?
Holy shit, the Amazon page says it's worth over $6,000:v:
Okay, I have a problem then. I have a pair of these
[img]http://cdn.skullcandy.com/shop/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/m/smokin-buds-pink-black-glamor.jpg[/img]
And they sound really good compared to my sonys. I thought they were pretty great, and now everyone's saying they're pieces of shit.
Wat do.
[editline]23rd November 2010[/editline]
As in, what are some great-quality earbuds that are durable and under $100?
I can ask for new ones for Christmas.
I remember when someone joked about the audio quality on a specific model of the PlayStation being notably better than any other CD player you could get because it had RCA jacks and for a few months the prices of that one model skyrocketed on ebay and craigslist.
Then someone discovered that the RCA jacks were just wired into the normal A/V port and there was no magic going on, and then prices plummeted again while people screamed that their PlayStation they just paid $200 for was now worth $10.
There are very few times when different cables have meant anything to me. The only time I ever had to use a more expensive cable was when the dollar store video cable I got was having gain issues and the system would not see the signal so I replaced it with a cable with a heavier guage copper conductor and the problem cleared up but it also came from a dollar store (but cost 20 cents more :v:)
Anyone who spends more than $10 dollars on a cord is unfit to use equipment requiring cords
[QUOTE=DDSNv2;26260307][img_thumb]http://skullcandyhesh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/skullcandy.jpg[/img_thumb][/QUOTE]
real audiophiles think this is absolute cancer
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