Very much this. In effects, YouTube is self-publishing, at virtually zero cost. If it cost anything like what it did to publish a paper magazine or book, there would be far fewer self aggrandising nobodies putting out rubbish.
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Paid reviewers
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This does fit the profile of some, certainly. Thing is, I'm not sure that regularly spending money on placebo effects is much of a hobby.
I'm in favour of freedom of speech but that doesn't extend to shouting 'Fire!' in a crowded theatre. Should the same rule should apply to reviewers and their infomercials? Well maybe not.
The worst that happens is people spend a bit of money they needn't have.
Even then it's not the end of the world.
I had a quite belligerent pal who spent a fair few quid on isolation racks for his electronics.
He thought it improved their sound, and he knew that I held the view that there was no problem to be solved. He asked me outright if I thought he had wasted his money.
I answered that if the racks made him happier with the sound of his system then de facto, he had spent wisely.
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MattHooper
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Again, I think many are underestimating the amount of skepticism other audiophiles have in regards to reviews.
And I disagree with some who hold that the paid reviewers provide little useful information. But I've already given my view on that.
But also: of course there is also plenty of b.s. among reviewers that, unfortunately, influence audiophiles (which is why ASR is so necessary).
One of the worst offenders IMO is Jay's Audio Lab. Now, I actually watch the channel relatively often just for the gear pron. It's fun to see what equipment Jay is playing with. But this is a case where someone with apparently little technical knowledge is imagining himself to be a guru just for having played with obscenely expensive gear. And unfortunately some take him as a guru.
Case in point: Jay recently posted a video showing the set up of one of his new "customers." It turns out this as a fellow new to the audio hobby, who stumbled upon Jay's channel, took Jay to be an expert, and ended up buying the Rockport speakers Jay was trying to get rid of (after those speakers didn't work well in Jay's room). Naturally Jay sold this guy, who clearly has lots of money, an extremely expensive system for his first ever system:
To me perhaps the most egregious moment is when Jay points out the client is currently using a macbook air as the digital source/server. And Jay announces that he's managed to sell this guy an MSB Select DAC system to replace it. That DAC costs over $100,000 !!!!!!
I'm of two minds about this: the overriding feeling is exasperation at the type of misinformation this new audiophile is falling for, especially in regard to the DAC situation. This is indeed the type of stuff that makes more skeptical audiophiles despair. So my blood does boil watching this stuff.
On the other hand: is it possible for someone like Jay, willing to throw tons of money at trying all manner of expensive speakers and gear, to end up with some impressive sounding systems, and to develop some level of experience in getting good sound? Sure. A bumpier road than learning the technical ropes, but possible I think. And further, his client seems very happy with the sound of his expensive system. Perhaps it sounds terrific. And in that way I don't necessarily want to kill someone's buzz if they've found bliss. We all approach this the way we want. And I do my best (often failing) to not judge myself "superior" to audiophiles who aren't making the choices I'd make. (As I've certainly made choices others would disagree with).
But, again, I think as many would agree here the main issue is knowledge. It would seem just a generally better thing for people to be able to make their purchases advisedly. The problem is less that this fellow is happy with the expensive equipment, but more that he had less of a "choice" in a way, because of the lack of knowledge in how to get as good or better sound for less money, and why. And so he has less defence against being sold this ultra expensive gear as necessary to achieve great sound.
And I disagree with some who hold that the paid reviewers provide little useful information. But I've already given my view on that.
But also: of course there is also plenty of b.s. among reviewers that, unfortunately, influence audiophiles (which is why ASR is so necessary).
One of the worst offenders IMO is Jay's Audio Lab. Now, I actually watch the channel relatively often just for the gear pron. It's fun to see what equipment Jay is playing with. But this is a case where someone with apparently little technical knowledge is imagining himself to be a guru just for having played with obscenely expensive gear. And unfortunately some take him as a guru.
Case in point: Jay recently posted a video showing the set up of one of his new "customers." It turns out this as a fellow new to the audio hobby, who stumbled upon Jay's channel, took Jay to be an expert, and ended up buying the Rockport speakers Jay was trying to get rid of (after those speakers didn't work well in Jay's room). Naturally Jay sold this guy, who clearly has lots of money, an extremely expensive system for his first ever system:
To me perhaps the most egregious moment is when Jay points out the client is currently using a macbook air as the digital source/server. And Jay announces that he's managed to sell this guy an MSB Select DAC system to replace it. That DAC costs over $100,000 !!!!!!
I'm of two minds about this: the overriding feeling is exasperation at the type of misinformation this new audiophile is falling for, especially in regard to the DAC situation. This is indeed the type of stuff that makes more skeptical audiophiles despair. So my blood does boil watching this stuff.
On the other hand: is it possible for someone like Jay, willing to throw tons of money at trying all manner of expensive speakers and gear, to end up with some impressive sounding systems, and to develop some level of experience in getting good sound? Sure. A bumpier road than learning the technical ropes, but possible I think. And further, his client seems very happy with the sound of his expensive system. Perhaps it sounds terrific. And in that way I don't necessarily want to kill someone's buzz if they've found bliss. We all approach this the way we want. And I do my best (often failing) to not judge myself "superior" to audiophiles who aren't making the choices I'd make. (As I've certainly made choices others would disagree with).
But, again, I think as many would agree here the main issue is knowledge. It would seem just a generally better thing for people to be able to make their purchases advisedly. The problem is less that this fellow is happy with the expensive equipment, but more that he had less of a "choice" in a way, because of the lack of knowledge in how to get as good or better sound for less money, and why. And so he has less defence against being sold this ultra expensive gear as necessary to achieve great sound.
BinkieHuckerback
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Yes. Which is why I said that we all like a bit of subjectivity now and then - it's not binary.
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It’s absolutely not deception and I resent that statement! So long as you aren’t lying or misrepresenting your product there is no deception in marketing to someone’s emotions, It’s simply psychology. Humans typically make emotional and not rational decisions especially when it comes to money.
Edit add: if we were all making rational science backed decisions we’d be having boiled boneless skinless chicken breast and steamed broccoli for dinner but that’s probably not the case.
If it wasn't for salesmen and marketing people would spend a lot less money on non-essentials, and the global economy would grind to a halt.
They get a bad rap especially from people who don't earn their living in business, but they actually keep the whole thing going.
I was in auto sales for 20 years. I’d have a lot of people come in and tell me they needed a truck to tow XYZ. I would show them the appropriate vehicle to do the job and then they would see something shiny. I would tell them what they like is probably not appropriate for the job but Mr. customer you are absolutely right it is pretty.
This is exactly why I create a mental Tender Document before I buy anything significant. it avoids being seduced by shiny new objects. If it doesn't meet the tender spec, I don't buy it.
I think I understand why buying stuff may be difficult for some, my difficulties are all in drawing up the spec.
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