On Wed, 27 Apr 2005 16:52:01 -0400, Howard Ferstler
wrote:

dave weil wrote:

On Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:38:04 -0400, Howard Ferstler
wrote:

The system in there right now is my
"small" set up, and I use it as a reference standard when
reviewing smaller-scale components. Every time I look at it
I begin to realize that she is right about that room. The
whole place (all three systems) is just overkill.

There ya go. So why is *your* "overkill" any better than some rich
software develper's overkill $20,000 amp and marble foyer?

Because his expenditure, at least for that amp, has gained
him nothing.

Sure it has. If you think really hard, you might figure out what it
is.

On the other hand, my expenditures deliver
concrete performance benefits and also allow me to get a bit
of variety out of listening to three different systems.

Frankly, concrete doesn't do a lot for me in terms of audio
performance. Even the metaphor shows that.

You've
probably spent far more of a percentage of your disposable income on
your audio/video that one of those guys or gals.

Hey, I am an audio buff. One of those "guys or gals" is
probably just a money-spending showoff.

I remember reading about Fabio's system. The largest Martin-Logans
ever, about $300,000 worth of audio/video gear. The guy was an audio
FREAK. That's just one example. Some people, people who can afford
both audio performance *and* exclusivity, probably like audio as well.

And actually, you aren't an "audio buff", you are a guy who uses audio
to supplement your income.

To tell the truth, I have a number of reviewing jobs on the
horizon, but once they are done I will probably "retire"
from audio writing and even record reviewing.

So, does this mean that you are going to "give up" your overkill
systems?

No. And none of them are overkill.

Make up your mind.

They are just right for
me.

As is a stereo system costing $200,000 for someone who makes a million
a year.

Overkill would be spending twenty grand (or even two
grand) on a stereo power amp, or spending hundreds (or even
thousands) on wires.

Overkill FOR YOU (and me, for that matter) and your income level,
that's for sure.

Still, even if you do, which I don't think for a minute that
you would, you're going to be stuck with an overbuilt home.

Trust me. It would take a pretty fabulous place, indeed, for
me to consider it overbuilt.

Well, it *is* overbuilt, by your own admission.

Given the
absolutely nitwit level so-called "serious" audio has sunk
to over the years, it just is not as interesting for me as
it once was. Every time I pick up an audio magazine
(including even the ones I write for) I roll my eyes and
wonder how it has all come to this.

Here's a hint. Do what *I* do - don't pick up an audio magazine unless
necessary.

I scope some of them on the newsstands (although most of the
time I scope woodworking magazines or car and motorcycle
mags), and probably will not resubscribe to any that come my
way now. Not really all that interesting anymore.

You're actually SUBSCRIBED? That's more than I am, that's for sure.