Snobbery in Hi-Fi. Why are people so stupid and turn their noses up at gear costing much less which is just as good?

[wadude]

Maybe something like these?

https://nixoid.store/cdn/shop/files/P-38_1_2000x.jpg?v=1768500821



https://nixoid.store/cdn/shop/files/P-58_85826bad-b525-46e4-a533-443ec09e0918_2000x.jpg?v=1768500821

The last watch I used, it’s in a drawer somewhere, was an old, gold, Elgin(?) railroad pocket watch on a shoestring. It was fun for a while but eventually I got tired of dealing with it, years before I finally got a cell phone. I have aversion to jewelry, but no problem with others who enjoy it.

 

[Groove01]

although that depends on the function one is seeking from each product.

Got it, the above was the part I was missing. As long as the above is factored in then i wholeheartedly agree.

It all comes down to what each individual values or finds important in terms of features and functionality, etc.

I do draw the line at $30k DACs!

i think we agree on that too - lol.

As long as we understand that personally we may not agree or align with other’s priorities as it relates to their purchasing decisions, our disagreement doesn’t by default make them stupid or snobby.

Edit: To clarify- I don’t think this is what “you” are saying either. It was more of a general statement regarding this thread.

 

[Sal1950]

I think I am qualified to say that most people in NYC genuinely don't care about anyone else, if you are a poor homeless person panhandling on the streets, they will walk by you as if you don't exist. If you are a rich person wearing a 3 piece suit, coming out of a limo to go to Del Frisco's, and if you so happen to block the sidewalks, they will cuss you out. That is NYC, no one's gives a crap about anyone else.

Just the way of the world and human nature partner.
We're genetically keyed for personal survival first of all.
It's a screw you and hurray for me world.
Just be sure to CYA, (cover your asss)

When I show up somewhere, it is not to impress or be impressed.
It's because I want to be entertained: Let the Clown Show Begin!

The best shows on earth can be seen at your local Wal-Mart!

I just informally looked up the difference in prices between Casio and Patel Philippe watches

WTF's a watch? LOL
Truth be told, what ever the cost, by far most worn are simply as a piece of jewelry.

 

[wadude]

I’ve read that wristwatches are also a form of signifier in the pecking order of males, either from a competitive standpoint or in the attraction of a mate. Similar to a peacock’s fan.

 

[PristineSound]

I’ve read that wristwatches are also a form of signifier in the pecking order of males, either from a competitive standpoint or in the attraction of a mate. Similar to a peacock’s fan.

It absolutely is. . .if you want it or let it be.

But so is your car and your house, and your shoes, and your vacations and your college degree, how much you tip the parking attendant, the suits you wear, the sunglasses on your eyes, and. . .how hot your woman is.

But if it doesn't matter to you, then who gives a fuk?

For me personally, the ultimate symbol and signifier in male pecking order is how early one can retire yet living life well with moderate to high luxury such as being able to eat organic, plan a last minute vacation to Iceland and never have to worry about money. I wish to retire at age 35, only to wear shorts in the summer and sweat pants in the winter, wake up every day at 10 and do nothing by hobbies and travel for the rest of my life.

Had I achieved that, I would be the ultimate alpha male, alas, I'm no alpha male as I got many more years until retirement

 

[Audionaut]

Europe just as much as NYC though, to the point that even working class people let you know you're letting society down by not making much effort before stepping out in public.

Europe covers an area of 10,523,000 km² and has a
population of approximately 746 million people.
There are about 50 countries with cultures dating back thousands of years and, depending on how you count them, between 200 and 250 languages.
In every respect, Europe is perhaps a bit more complex than New York City.
You might be able to compare it to cities like Paris, Vienna, Rome, Berlin, London, Moscow, or Madrid, but not to all of Europe.

 

[Newman]

Just the way of the world and human nature partner.
We're genetically keyed for personal survival first of all.
It's a screw you and hurray for me world.

That's actually not true, Sal, not even genetically.

It's more likely a justification for personal choices and politics that can't otherwise be justified.

cheers

 

[robh36062]

I don't know? Seams rather short sighted. Lots of people do things that can have you scratching your head. Their loss!

Rob

 

[Newman]

I lived in an outer borough of NYC a combined total of 10 years. All of my family except for one sister and her family still lives in NYC and Long Island.

I think I am qualified to say that most people in NYC genuinely don't care about anyone else, if you are a poor homeless person panhandling on the streets, they will walk by you as if you don't exist. If you are a rich person wearing a 3 piece suit, coming out of a limo to go to Del Frisco's, and if you so happen to block the sidewalks, they will cuss you out. That is NYC, no one's gives a crap about anyone else.

But you said,

Again, maybe if you were looking for these people, you will notice them even if they don't exist.

Gee, thank you for providing, in advance, the perfect comeback to your own personal observations. Talk about falling on one's own sword.

Brilliant!

 

[PristineSound]

But you said,

Gee, thank you for providing, in advance, the perfect comeback to your own personal observations. Talk about falling on one's own sword.

Brilliant!

Huh? What are you talking about? Are you saying there is contradiction to what I am saying? Maybe in addition to looking for snobby people that doesn't exist you were looking for contradiction that also doesn't exist?

I think the gist of it is, there is always snobby people anywhere and everywhere if you look for them, if you are overly sensitive or if you have some self-esteem issues.

 

[Newman]

Take your time, no rush...

 

[EJ3]

That's actually not true, Sal, not even genetically.

It's more likely a justification for personal choices and politics that can't otherwise be justified.

cheers

Well, if you cannot succeed, then how can you possibly help others?

 

[PristineSound]

Take your time, no rush...

lol. . .I'm good my man, I'm not the one who have the burden of self-esteem complex being around folks who have more.

 

[MattHooper]

Blind testing should be the standard for subjectivists and people choosing hi-fi in general perhaps, but it’s difficult to fairly do it, and shops wouldn’t really be in favour of it because they lose a lot of the bias sales. And people would pick with their ears, not their eyes and background knowledge, and nobody can agree on that either, we all look for different things in audio. Unfortunately not enough of it is done, it’s certainly a great leveller done right.

I’m a fan of blind testing, and it’s interesting to ponder your suggestion - even if it’s impractical - of audiophiles using blind testing in audio stores to choose their gear.

If such blind testing scenarios we’re actually regularly available at audio stores I wonder how you (or anyone else here) which choose under this scenario:

You are auditioning two floorstanding speakers.

In blind conditions you prefer the sound of speaker A over B.

But in sighted conditions, you reliably seem to prefer speaker B over A. And perhaps you even like the looks of B somewhat better as well.

What do you choose and why?

Do you choose the speaker that you prefer under blind conditions?

Or the speaker you seem to prefer under sighted conditions… which is how you’ll be actually listening to them?

 

[Sal1950]

That's actually not true, Sal, not even genetically.

You don't believe a man will fight for his personal survival above all else?
I think the history of the world proves that wrong.

 

[JiiPee]

I’m a fan of blind testing, and it’s interesting to ponder your suggestion - even if it’s impractical - of audiophiles using blind testing in audio stores to choose their gear.

If such blind testing scenarios we’re actually regularly available at audio stores I wonder how you (or anyone else here) which choose under this scenario:

You are auditioning two floorstanding speakers.

In blind conditions you prefer the sound of speaker A over B.

But in sighted conditions, you reliably seem to prefer speaker B over A. And perhaps you even like the looks of B somewhat better as well.

What do you choose and why?

Do you choose the speaker that you prefer under blind conditions?

Or the speaker you seem to prefer under sighted conditions… which is how you’ll be actually listening to them?

If it was me, I would either do the sighted listening first, or if I have done the blind test first, I would not want to know the results of that test before sighted listening, because, I'm fairly sure that would bring a new uncontrolled variable to my sighted listening i.e. I would intuitively favor speaker A sound, because I know that I preferred it in blind testing. Either way, I'm afraid my second round of listening would probably be marred by me trying more or less consciously concentrate on spotting which speaker is the one I preferred on the first round, instead of just trying to figure out how I like the sound.

As a technology nerd, I would love to get as much objectively valid data as possible, but I'm not a hard core "audio scientist". Looks, price, my perception of the quality of components, fit and finish etc... do also matter to me. The result of blind test would give me one data point, and if sighted listening gave conflicting result, I would try to analyze the possible reasons behind that, but in the end, I would make a subjective decision based on the balance of all the aspects that have relevance to me.

And of course, In ideal world, I would do all the listening tests in my own listening space, instead of in audio store.

 

[wadude]

I’m a fan of blind testing, and it’s interesting to ponder your suggestion - even if it’s impractical - of audiophiles using blind testing in audio stores to choose their gear.

If such blind testing scenarios we’re actually regularly available at audio stores I wonder how you (or anyone else here) which choose under this scenario:

You are auditioning two floorstanding speakers.

In blind conditions you prefer the sound of speaker A over B.

But in sighted conditions, you reliably seem to prefer speaker B over A. And perhaps you even like the looks of B somewhat better as well.

What do you choose and why?

Do you choose the speaker that you prefer under blind conditions?

Or the speaker you seem to prefer under sighted conditions… which is how you’ll be actually listening to them?

I’m more into large bookshelf’s, but…I actually would go for the ones I preferred blind, unless they were as ugly as some of the speakers in the “most beautiful speakers in the world” thread.

 

[Sal1950]

I’m a fan of blind testing, and it’s interesting to ponder your suggestion - even if it’s impractical - of audiophiles using blind testing in audio stores to choose their gear.

I'd rather see the measurements first, then chose in blind audition from the top 3 or 4 measuring.
It's all to easy to be swayed by an inaccurate speaker that appeals to your personal preferences.
Go for something that measures very well. Tonal balance is all too easy to tweak for prefs on any particular recording.

 

[PristineSound]

You don't believe a man will fight for his personal survival above all else?
I think the history of the world proves that wrong.

I think there are some people who like to believe in the ideal and then there are us, we are realists.

If there is a food shortage, everyone will horde more than they can eat today even if it means other won't have enough to eat, just so that they can have food for tomorrow. Anyone who deny this is delusional.

 

[Sal1950]

I think there are some people who like to believe in the ideal and then there are us, we are realists.

If there is a food shortage, everyone will horde more than they can eat today even if it means other won't have enough to eat, just so that they can have food for tomorrow. Anyone who deny this is delusional.

Yep exactly.
If anyone doubts it, review the news casts days and weeks after New Orlean's Hurricane Katrina