How hell did you know!

Posted by: Martinm on 10 August 2001

Being a fairly recent convert to the world of Hi-Fi, (and somewhat more recently to Naim) coupled with being in the most evil of professions..... marketing. I started to wonder how the many forum members actually got into what has been for me both a revelation and a financial nightmare!

In my case up until 4 years ago I was pretty much unaware that this sort of stuff even existed.
A couple of friends had some very basic separates with no cabling or stands and I’d seen the odd Bose system and thought nothing much of them except perhaps that they looked quite nice (You live and you learn!)
It was only catching up with an old friend who had recently started a job as an audio R and D engineer that I suddenly got an introduction to what was available. His was a Rotel system and it blew my socks off! It was then a typical delve into the Hi-Fi comics as I had to have one! I consider myself fortunate that I came across a dealer that recommended a Nait 3 to me (although I have to confess I did say I didn’t think it would be powerful enough to drive my speakers – felt very stupid afterwards – but that’s what you get from reading Hi-Fi mags!)

Did you all make a conscious effort to seek things out be cause you knew inherently there must be something better out there? Or was it more accidental?

It amazes me that the general consumer knows little, if anything, about Hi-Fi and the only place they seem to get access to it is via specialist press and events. Just by hearing my system I have introduced 4 or 5 people to their first separates system (I’ll be charging commission soon guys!)

By the way thanks for the BBQ it was a great day!

Cheers

Martin

Posted on: 10 August 2001 by Mike Hanson

quote:
Did you all make a conscious effort to seek things out be cause you knew inherently there must be something better out there? Or was it more accidental?

Twenty years ago when I was a teenager, I was in a band, listened to lots of music, so I really wanted a "good" stereo. I ended up compromising on a home studio (satisfying both desires). Although it wasn't "hi-fi" in the strictest sense, it was still better than most of my friend's systems.

It took almost twenty years of yearning and conflicting priorities before I could bring myself to resume my hunt for a "great" system. Since then it's taken me about four years of auditioning, buying, saving, upgrading, etc.

I've also got an intense impression of "how good it sounded" when I was a kid, which has created a rather absurd anomaly. One of my very first systems was a $150 Technics turntable, $50 Radioshack integrated, and $20 headphones (i.e. complete and utter shite). It's taken an almost top-of-the-line Naim/Royd system for me to derive as much satisfaction as I did with that old $220 pile of junk.

Go figure!

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 10 August 2001 by ken c

Did you all make a conscious effort to seek things out be cause you knew inherently there must be something better out there? Or was it more accidental?

both. i was looking for something better than my then technics based system, but i didnt know "how better", till i heard an lp12 32/snaps/250 at old sound org in cathedral st -- a system i simply could not afford -- i mean 770 pounds for a mere power amp!!! give me a break!!!

i borrowed some money, bought the said system, ate bread and water for a year, and the rest is history...

enjoy

ken

Posted on: 10 August 2001 by Mick P

Mike/Ken

Chaps......your problem is simple, you like what you got, but you know there is something better around the corner and you want it now.

You will always go on improving, perhaps with less ferocoity, but you will go on. Its human nature.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 10 August 2001 by ken c

You will always go on improving, perhaps with less ferocoity, but you will go on. Its human nature.

i think you have something there mick. of course, i could always say "these are the final upgrades" but i think you would see straight through that.

fortunately i cant afford a nap500. i cant afford a fraim. i cant afford nbl's or dbl's -- so perhaps there is natural limit.

however, i couldnt afford the 250 when i bought it a looooong time ago, so....

enjoy

ken

Posted on: 10 August 2001 by Steve Toy

I hate it when we have to go wide screen.
Like the pics though - Jap stuff gives us lots to play with when the music sounds boring!

It's always a nice day for it, have a good one
Steve

Posted on: 11 August 2001 by Andrew L. Weekes

They're hardly the best advert for the benefits of good Hi-Fi - most people have never heard of them either.

Not sure whether it's lack of support from industry, or the insular 'preach to the converted' approach they take.

It started with me when a school friend started working at the local dealer. I was introduced to a Rega Planar3 and a Nytech CA202 amp.

Later on he sold me his very early Nait 1 (which I still use) and it's been uphill from there.

LP12, more Naim, Kans - I've never regretted a single penny, and like you have started to set others on the rocky road to audio nirvana and financial ruin!

Andy.

Posted on: 11 August 2001 by Martinm

So is that first hit that we are looking for?
The first time you hear a half decent system and then into the hardend world of upgrades looking for the same experience! Audio drugs eh!?

I know I'm addicted!

I have to avoid the high street chains these days due to how upsetting it can be seeing someone purchase blackpool illuminations(latest Midi systems)for anything up to £1000 and the sales assistant banging on about bass boost etc.

Blisfull ignorance has been lifted!

I think the guy who wrote the Matrix was a Hi-Fi fan.

Serious question though - When would you stop upgrading? Is there always a what if factor?

I know for myself its going to be a long path and only finance and the other half will stop the upgrades!

Martin