Whither Satisfaction......

I was listening to a system this weekend that was made up of an OK DVD, reasonable amps and less then perfect speaks which would probably cost about £1000 to replace. The system sounded really poor to my ears, then a friend of mine heard it and his reaction was, 'wow, that is amazing', he hasn't heard my main set-up. Anyway, my ears can tell that my £8000 of system is far from perfect (some set-up constraints remain outstanding which are beyond my control) but I had some friends listening to some Keith Jarrett the other day and felt it was like really being there, I didn't because I can hear the difference between a real piano and my system. If I couldn't maybe I would be happier, but then again maybe I wouldn't, this way when I hear live music I think it is probably more enjoyable!

Matthew

I am, in fact, quite satisfied with my equipment for what it is now, although I could see a change in the future when it's time.

I was trying to get to the basis of the current spate of whining, rather then actually whine....

From Seattle, Washington

I've made about 24 hifi purchases since I started in 1963. Everyone of them except 2 (Cirkus and 2nd hicap for my 82) gave me major improvements. The Cirkus and 2nd hicap were good moves, nevertheless. Some - MF A1, LP12, 62/140, first hicap, 72, ARO, 250, Karma, CDS1, Advents, Heybrook HB1s, Near 50Ms, Grommes LJ6 - were magnificent.

So it's 13 magnificent changes, 2 mediocre ones, and 9 good ones. No complaints here.

Phil

Not limited to Naim in any way - Upgraditis is considered by many (especially of the female gender) to be of epidemic status (particularly for the male gender). I share this as jest but I am also serious. A great many of the satisfied customers are enjoying their music/systems and don't visit a forum like this. Many coming to this forum are here to share and learn in ways that enhance their enjoyment or address some concern.
Dissatisfaction stems from a comparison to a person's expectations. What one person considers poor is often just right for someone else whether the expectation is for cost, return for the money, or any aspect of the musical/aesthetic/emotional experience. Those who are dissatisfied can voice their concern here and explore potential solutions. This doesn't indicate that everyone, or any majority, are dissatisfied.
I recognize that I have not always been delighted about choices that I felt I had to make but I am delighted with my equipment choices since I settled on Naim.
EnJoy!
Mark Gi

Most of us are NEVER satisfied; in as much as we're always thinking about the next upgrade and the 'pleasure' it would bring.

I once heard a psychologist say that we're trying to compensate for something missing in our lives.

I'm pretty pleased with my expensive system and have about 900 CD's; but I'd have a 552 and 500 if I could afford it.

A few months later I would have adapted to that sound and be wondering about something else.

Why does this silliness; principally afflict the male of the species.

Fascinating stuff.

Nearly forgot.

How come you go to Hi-Fi shops and they sell you a dog.

How many have you got now?

You must walk miles.

J.N.

Indeed I have run across many canines in stereo stores, often with exotic names from far-off lands like Onkyo and Yamaha

Now, if you will excuse me I've got to see a man about a dog...

Bruce

From Seattle, Washington

At any stage in the last 15yrs if I had been told that I could never buy another piece of HiFi I would have been entirely content. The odd thing is that when you listen to something further along the path you discover that what you believed to be 90% perfect is in fact only 75% there. I have never suddenly disliked my existing kit, just realised that the musical pleasure can be increased by greater increments than I actually thought possible.


Bruce

quote:

---

Originally posted by Phil Barry:
I've made about 24 hifi purchases since I started in 1963. Everyone of them except 2 (Cirkus and 2nd hicap for my 82) gave me major improvements. The Cirkus and 2nd hicap were good moves, nevertheless.

---

The Cirkus didn't do much for me as I recall, but the 2nd hicap I really liked--subtle but very satisfying to my ears.

For me the single biggest improvement in my system was 32-5/snaps from a 32 (just a couple of years ago).

--Eri

I have always been into live music and performing music, but didn't get into a decent audio system until recently. less time to get out, more money, etc..

The biggest (and first) changeI made was ditching my mass market stuff for a used AMC CDM7, an NADc350, and new speakers (Vienna Acoustics). It sounded great, and I figured I was set.

But then I strted paying attention to my friend's systems (some of thme insanely Hi-End American Style) and realized how good things could sound.

I stumbeled into my Naim equipment originally through to good a deal to pass up on my 92/90/FC, and the NAD went into a box after just 3 months (and remains there). The Naim was different, but not necessarily better then the NAD in this setup. However, this turned out to be due to the weak source, and I quickly traded in the AMC for a CD5.

Things were much better, but I knew it could still improve, so enter 2 black snaics, followed by a Hicap. All this was worthwhile, although incremental rather then transforming.

So now here I am- the system sounds really good, and although I know where it could go, I'll sit here for a bit. I had been toying around with upgrading the 92/90 next either with 112/150 or 102/140, but I'm still not sure. I think that the 5 series is probably more to my liking after a recent home comparison of an 82 with a 112.

The speakers may also eventually go- I bought them as my first upgrade before I knew much at all. They actually sound super-very sweet but a bit bass-shy. However, now I see that there are just so many possibilites!

Probably the best outcome out of it all, however, has been the several hundred CDs I bought in the past six months!

Bruce

From Seattle, Washington