Forum trend -- heavy on euphony?

[fewtch]

Anyone else get the feeling that the trend on Head-Fi seems to be leaning heavily toward euphony and away from neutrality/flatness and other more traditional "audiophile qualities" lately? I was away from Head-Fi for quite awhile (since last August or so), and I recently started reading/posting regularly again. The changes here seem kind of weird and all over the map, mostly in favor of headphones and gear that sound good to smaller "cliques" of people who prefer a certain sound, rather than general forum agreement on what constitutes good sound.

Is it an influx of newcomers, an outflux of old timers, proliferation of new cans/amps, the ascent of the iPod, larger forum population or what... any clues? Or am I imagining things?

 

[mjg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fewtch Anyone else get the feeling that the trend on Head-Fi seems to be leaning heavily toward euphony and away from neutrality/flatness and other more traditional "audiophile qualities" lately? I was away from Head-Fi for quite awhile (since last August or so), and I recently started reading/posting regularly again. The changes here seem kind of weird and all over the map, mostly in favor of headphones and gear that sound good to smaller "cliques" of people who prefer a certain sound, rather than general forum agreement on what constitutes good sound. Is it an influx of newcomers, an outflux of old timers, proliferation of new cans/amps, larger forum population or what... any clues? Or am I imagining things?

I think abstraction here is kinda unnecessary. You are right about flux of people coming and going, but the only observable trend i feel is people buying what is new, or in style (though usually what's new). Flavor of the month supercedes all, and usually a flavor of the month is started by a popular guy on here writing some dressed up reviewing claiming headphone spirituality found through these new special cans, then everyone following suit and clamoring for it like it's the holy grail. Veterans are guilty as well (me)! : ]

So, right now it's grados (yea i got some coming, the ms2i). Seems just yesterday it was hd650s. before that? CD3000's, before that? I dunno, hp1000? Etymotics?

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjg Flavor of the month supercedes all, and usually a flavor of the month is started by a popular guy on here writing some dressed up reviewing claiming headphone spirituality found through these new special cans, then everyone following suit and clamoring for it like it's the holy grail. Veterans are guilty as well (me)! : ]

Headphone spirituality... gotta love it

. I feel like an anachronism around here, sticking with my HD580s and other gear I've had for over a year (I probably am one, too).

 

[Jahn]

We have sucessfully infiltrated head-fi - we, the strong, the numerous, the Bassheads.

Next - having Equalizers take their rightful place in the Source forums!

 

[dhwilkin]

I haven't noticed... but, if true, I have no problem w/ this development (as long as these people are clear about something being their sonic preference and not some absolute truth).

 

[fyrfytrhoges]

never fell for the "trendy" or "fotm" once i found the right system, now i just sit back and laugh....

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyrfytrhoges never fell for the "trendy" or "fotm" once i found the right system, now i just sit back and laugh....

So how do I join team venom spewer. Team "Dinky" is cool and that, but I think an new direction is needed.

 

[fyrfytrhoges]

its a one man team, sorry, plus you dont want the associated stigma that comes from belonging to it. you must be willing to offend at all costs, plus you dont make any friends by joining it, in fact im sure ive gained a few ignore list additions as well.....

booo hoooo......

 

[aerius]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRedwings19 So how do I join team venom spewer. Team "Dinky" is cool and that, but I think an new direction is needed.

You can start Team Curmudgeon and act like a complete grouch towards the trend-following whipper-snappers. Learn to use phrases such as "that's just another stupid fad", "you're such a lemming", "you're not worthy of my advice" and "my stuff is the best, your stuff sucks".

Anyways, it's just one of those things. Things go this way and that for no good reason, it just happens, people are people.

 

[HiWire]

I think it depends on what equipment and music you are discussing. For example, I wouldn't expect cheap cans to sound analytical or resolving, but people generally agree that KSC-35/50/75, PortaPros, PX-100s, and SR-60s sound good. In a similar vein, we appear to be reaching the limits of CD sound, so there is a lot of talk about oversampling, filters, jitter reduction, etc. to improve perceived performance (euphony).

It's all part of our subjective experience of sound and music... what's detailed to some people is bright, harsh, or sibilant to others. Some people equate neutral or analytical to be dry or clinical, something to be avoided, while others prefer absolute "fidelity" to special-effects cans like the Grados or Darth-Beyers.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyrfytrhoges its a one man team, sorry, plus you dont want the associated stigma that comes from belonging to it. you must be willing to offend at all costs, plus you dont make any friends by joining it, in fact im sure ive gained a few ignore list additions as well..... booo hoooo......

Hey I am a Redwings fan I get that reaction from people!!!!!!

 

[fyrfytrhoges]

sorry about that, you really should feel sorry for me then, im a blackhawks fan and weve been in the dumper for along time....

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyrfytrhoges sorry about that, you really should feel sorry for me then, im a blackhawks fan and weve been in the dumper for along time....

no wonder why you are a member of team venom spewer your a blackhawks fan!!!!! Now I can see why!!!!

 

[D-EJ915]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyrfytrhoges never fell for the "trendy" or "fotm" once i found the right system, now i just sit back and laugh....

Yeah, all their systems might be as accurate as possible, but mine still kicks their's asses when it comes to "gettin' into it".

 

[Wmcmanus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyrfytrhoges sorry about that, you really should feel sorry for me then, im a blackhawks fan

I knew there was something I liked about you!