The tyranny of choice...
Posted by: Top Cat on 08 April 2004
Interesting article at this link which I think applies to audio equipment as much as to photographic equipment.
Raises an interesting question: does the multitude of choice that we have in today's world lead to a perpetually unfulfilled quest to make the 'best' choice - often at the expense of actually maximising the use we get out of the choices we've already made?
For instance, I'll take myself as an example. I've recently acquired a 52/SC. I am very very pleased with it, but it doesn't stop me wondering about a 252 or 552. In fact, were it not for the fact that the 52 is as good as it is, I might wonder whether I should sell it and move to a 252 or 552. The fact that I can't afford the 552 is neither here nor there - where there's a will there's a way and all that.
So faced with such choices, much time is spent wondering whether we've made good choices and whether we could choose more wisely. The linked article was inspired by an article in Scientific American magazine, which I've never seen over here, but the premise is clear...
I guess I fit into the "maximizer" (sic) category - though I'd like to think I've "maximized" (sic) enough. I guess this polarises people, and there'll be many of use who fit into the "satisficer" (sic) category.
I found it quite interesting to appraise myself in this way, thought I'd pass the link on...
John
Raises an interesting question: does the multitude of choice that we have in today's world lead to a perpetually unfulfilled quest to make the 'best' choice - often at the expense of actually maximising the use we get out of the choices we've already made?
For instance, I'll take myself as an example. I've recently acquired a 52/SC. I am very very pleased with it, but it doesn't stop me wondering about a 252 or 552. In fact, were it not for the fact that the 52 is as good as it is, I might wonder whether I should sell it and move to a 252 or 552. The fact that I can't afford the 552 is neither here nor there - where there's a will there's a way and all that.
So faced with such choices, much time is spent wondering whether we've made good choices and whether we could choose more wisely. The linked article was inspired by an article in Scientific American magazine, which I've never seen over here, but the premise is clear...
I guess I fit into the "maximizer" (sic) category - though I'd like to think I've "maximized" (sic) enough. I guess this polarises people, and there'll be many of use who fit into the "satisficer" (sic) category.
I found it quite interesting to appraise myself in this way, thought I'd pass the link on...
John
Dev, behave.... 
I'm quite happy where I am now. Honest. No, really I am...
(but I do need to get the Linn sorted - I think I've ballsed it up a bit with my fiddling post Prefix)
John
I'm quite happy where I am now. Honest. No, really I am...
(but I do need to get the Linn sorted - I think I've ballsed it up a bit with my fiddling post Prefix)
John
quote:
Originally posted by Geoff P:
I just cannot imagine how I will ever hear 7,000 pounds worth of improvement over my 282.
Though the 282 is very, very good I had a hard time convincing myself it improved the sound beyond my 112 by close on 4,000 pounds (including the supercap).
Of course money is not the only yardstick else I would not have bought the 282 but it does focus priorities.
Geoff,
A perception of 'value' is a funny thing isn't it?
A return on an investment in hi-fi hierarchy gets smaller and smaller, indeed. It becomes a matter of one's disposable income, sonic preference ( quite often, difference in costilier gear is not really for better but different more than anything ) and, as you said, one's priority in life.
Even the mighty 552 might not be everyone's cup of tea. ( or simply not worth it for some sonically )
Just because a piece of gear sits at the top of the product line-up, I don't think we can assume it meets everyone's expectations.
Cost/performance ratio on digital gear is even worse. But as it is my only choice for the source, I reluctantly pay the dues. Music to me is a necessity. ( a good thing I don't have any other expensive habbits )