Want to buy good music equipment? Beware of these audio snobs
The path of audiophile is not easy. It involves considerable expense and a large amount of knowledge that must be faced so as not to fall into an obsession with audio voodoo . But the most difficult battle awaits you when you meet them at the beginning of your path: Audio snobs .
The sarcastic remarks , quips and wisdom that flow from their mouths can unfortunately cool down even the greatest enthusiasm. Journalists from the Headphonesty portal suggest which opinions of self-proclaimed sound experts you can ignore.
Illustrative photo / photo: Unsplash, Anthony JacobsonAudio snobs love to throw around luxury brands and don't recognize budget sets . Good sound, however, doesn't always depend on price.
Of course, it's great if you have a bigger budget when assembling your equipment, because it gives you more cool options, but remember: There are both cheap speakers that will sound very good and very expensive ones that will sound poor .
Illustrative photo / photo: Unsplash, Tyler ChandlerSome love analogue crackle , others digital purity . But why choose one side? The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Perfectly mastered and pressed waxes sound wonderful, but not everyone likes the crackling or "frying" characteristic of old media. Digital files may lack that vinyl "warmth" , but they are reliable and less troublesome to listen to. Remember: There is no better or worse option, there is only what you like more. And... why not use both options?
MP3 doesn't countIf you don't listen to music in FLAC or 24-bit/192 kHz , some say you don't deserve to be called an audiophile. And yet, tests and studies are clear: Most of us won't hear the difference between a good MP3 and a hi-res file .
What matters most is the mastering, and if it's "screwed up", even a lossless format won't help.
Illustrative photo / photo: Unsplash, Blaz ErzeticDo you listen to music on headphones ? No, sorry, in the eyes of many audio snobs you are finished...
The truth is, however, that headphones are practical equipment and ideal for a start when you don't have the means or the opportunity for decent speakers and a perfect acoustic arrangement in your listening room . If you have such a thing as a listening room at all, because my space doesn't allow for it. What's more, headphones will make listening at night easier if you have small children or... nervous neighbors.
Popular audio brands are crapSony , Bose or JBL ? Get ready for another lecture from an audio snob.
Unfortunately, some people assume that only hand-soldered amplifiers from niche companies count. Sure, it's great to stock up on them, but good sound is not just about the logo!
Illustrative photo / photo: Unsplash, Andras VasThe basic rule of most audiophiles: Even if you can't hear the difference in the sound of cheap and expensive equipment, you do.
The truth is, however, that you don't have to hear microscopic details to enjoy music. Another thing is that even your expectations or the opinions of others can confuse your senses, because in the audio industry, the placebo effect also works.
Taylor Swift? A true audiophile only listens to jazz and prog rock!Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish ? Please. A true audiophile only listens to Pink Floyd , The Beatles and John Coltrane . If digital, then only in FLAC , if wax, then only from first presses . Otherwise, it's a waste of equipment.
No, no, no! You can listen to anything you like, and I recommend mixing genres and... opening yourself up to the unknown. You can play Justin Timberlake after a Slayer album, and then spice it up with Wu-Tang Clan and Apple Blossom . Nobody checks that!
Remember. Listen to what you want, how you want, and on what equipment you want. Music should bring joy, not cause complexes!
