Some time ago I was banned from AC. I actually wear the banning as a badge of honor. but be that as it may here is a post from AC that I find interesting because it relates ....
When Jason (Pez) and I do coverage of RMAF, we have a disc with 60 second excerpts from a wide variety of musical genre's. Mahler, Tom Waits, Ani Difranco, and Tool are some of the artists that have been used. I find that I also use the CD to test out other people's system or do "shootouts". Really useful (and short!)
I agree, if a system cannot do well with a wide variety of music, then it's an overall poor system. I had to unsubscribe to the Bryston forum because of all the idiots that would post "I got a Bryston, which is SO REVEALING that I can hear how BAD most of the recordings in my collection are". Hahahahahahahahahahaha.
I love when the light bulb goes on...........!
For those of you banned from AC....here are my comments on the subject Mike.
May I interject my observations on this subject... there is too much unfounded opinion on both sides of this equation.
People jump to conclusions too quickly...just inserting an amp in a playback chain and forming an opinion on its performance in a short time frame is not really accomplishing anything. Components can sound diversely different with seemingly slight changes in ones setup.
For instance, my Bryston 4b sounds great with a power cord...without one ...not so great..it sounds great if the upstream components are getting their juice through a power conditioner...but plug the 4b into the power conditioner and again, not so good. Add to this mix the fact that incorrect absolute phase of the recording can skew the sound to the softer side, making people think the issue is correctable elsewhere in the playback chain, illustrates just how daunting this task of component evaluation can be. Just like a few digits on a combination lock will yield a number of possibilities but only one will be the correct or best one.
As far as the quote "My bryston is so revealing..." again the perception comes from unfounded opinion.
Revealing comes from the ability to present the recording with a low noise floor from the electronics , speaker and room acoustics.
People say...listen to that guy cough in the 12th row..the truth is, the top end is so etched that the leading edge of the cough comes through quite noticeably, but listen to that same cough on a well sorted system and you will hear a balance of the upper and lower register as well as the decay of the room as the cough trails off to inaudibility.
For the record, my 4b has been up against some pricey competition,, it has held its own quite well considering its price. Sure, maybe a $10k amp has a wonderful smooth and airy top end, or a tubed unit has that certain je ne sais quoi.
But for visceral impact and across the board performance, it makes a very good every day driver.
Greg
I too am in the "Banned from AC" club. Actually it is a limited access where John (or modorators?) have to approve anything I post. Although not for the reasons above but then again, I don't even remember the details. Something to do with John not agreeing with or misunderstanding some comments.
I was told I would have limited access for 1 year. That was 3 or 4 years ago. When I post on even the most innocent subjects, my post never gets published.
I have had one misunderstanding where I posted some info on new cables in a thread with my cables as the topic that was started in the cable forum and John was not happy with me and could not understand how I could have thought it would be ok. He was not at all happy about moving the thread to a more appropriate industry circle either.
I can see how folks can have issues there, and I'm sure if I didn't already have years of posts there beforehand I may have just been banned for it. I think John gets frustrated with running it sometimes.
That said, the way the industry is going (much fewer B&M stores) it is nice to have a forum where you can learn about many direct-marketed audio companies.
I didn't get banned from AC but I did from Audio Aficionado
a forum run by an egomaniac who goes by the handle of Master Lu. Don't knock Mac gear or you will be on the outside looking in. I had tried to advertise on the site, he quoted me a price much higher than the site listed..when I brought this to his attention he quickly went on the site and changed the price. I called him out on this and wham bam banned I was !!
It's tough with some of these sites when the court jester is also the king. I've not been banned by any sites but have (for lack of a better word) banned myself from a few. I am thankful for my Nervosa infliction.
Don
I was banned from AC for trying to get paid for a website I developed & designed that Bob of Aether Audio used for a good 2 years. I was promised many things but after 2.5 years never received anything. I just wanted to shine a light on the quality of human being he is.. :D
Im cool with being banned though. Im a rebel at heart... ;)
Quote from: GT Audio Works on July 01, 2014, 06:21:19 AM
For those of you banned from AC....here are my comments on the subject Mike.
May I interject my observations on this subject... there is too much unfounded opinion on both sides of this equation.
People jump to conclusions too quickly...just inserting an amp in a playback chain and forming an opinion on its performance in a short time frame is not really accomplishing anything. Components can sound diversely different with seemingly slight changes in ones setup.
For instance, my Bryston 4b sounds great with a power cord...without one ...not so great..it sounds great if the upstream components are getting their juice through a power conditioner...but plug the 4b into the power conditioner and again, not so good. Add to this mix the fact that incorrect absolute phase of the recording can skew the sound to the softer side, making people think the issue is correctable elsewhere in the playback chain, illustrates just how daunting this task of component evaluation can be. Just like a few digits on a combination lock will yield a number of possibilities but only one will be the correct or best one.
As far as the quote "My bryston is so revealing..." again the perception comes from unfounded opinion.
Revealing comes from the ability to present the recording with a low noise floor from the electronics , speaker and room acoustics.
People say...listen to that guy cough in the 12th row..the truth is, the top end is so etched that the leading edge of the cough comes through quite noticeably, but listen to that same cough on a well sorted system and you will hear a balance of the upper and lower register as well as the decay of the room as the cough trails off to inaudibility.
For the record, my 4b has been up against some pricey competition,, it has held its own quite well considering its price. Sure, maybe a $10k amp has a wonderful smooth and airy top end, or a tubed unit has that certain je ne sais quoi.
But for visceral impact and across the board performance, it makes a very good every day driver.
Greg
Greg, I agree with your observations. "One man's trash is another man's treasure". We should be more indulgent of others listening preferences. It only gets ugly, when that other person declares his system or component to be the "best", "the bee's knees", etc.
Jim
Damn. Seems like you all were banned for speaking your mind or the truth that just didn't mesh with other people's thoughts. That is horrible. When I saw this thread for some reason I immediately thought of the Banned in the USA song by The 2 Live Crew. I think this picture is appropriate for the powers that be that banned you all over at AC.
(http://www.xyno.de/albums/bitusa/2.jpg)
I don't go to AC much at all for anything audio. Too much noise and a lot of what was mentioned here. Lots of this is the best/bees knees.
The one site I've been blacklisted on is the Audiogon Forum. There was a time when I would post and it would show quickly or within a couple of hours. Now it seems like it takes a day if my posts clear the moderation at all.
One time my post was censored when I was trying to tell a forum member who needed a good tech in Queens to go to SG Custom Sound. The moderators held up my post and then didn't post it saying it wasn't worthy for their archive or I should just PM the member who started the thread. Then later I see other members post the exact same info no problem.
Quote from: GT Audio Works on July 01, 2014, 06:21:19 AM
For instance, my Bryston 4b sounds great....
I've never heard a Bryston product that I liked. It doesn't mean that Bryston products are awful, it just means they aren't what I like.
I also prefer Islay Single Malts and robust dark beer with mild hoppiness. I don't particularly like clear liquors (Bombay Sapphire excepted). I am a huge baseball fan and I pull voting booth levers with my left hand only.
My point is there is only one "me." While each person is their own "me," there are as many opinions as there are people. There is room for everyone ideas if we can respect each other.
Got my 1st ever involuntary 2 week vacation, lol. :duh
Was for posting something in the wrong forum, but to be fair was my 2nd offense. I should just ban myself from the internet. :rofl:
Banning is a badge of honor, wear it proudly :thumb:
Quote from: topround on July 12, 2014, 02:30:47 PM
Banning is a badge of honor, wear it proudly :thumb:
I for one am glad I don't have to read you rambling diatribe on AC anymore !! :rofl:
Just for laughs go on Audio Aficionado and knock McIntosh gear, see how long it takes to get banned.
I do have to admit I do miss being part of Audio Circle only because of so many people whos post I enjoyed following. This hobby is about more than just the gear. You meet a lot of good people during the journey and the smaller forums (which A was at one time) is at great venue to shoot the shit about anything audio as well as some personal topics. That's what friends are for. For me, I like to think I acquire friends rather than just customers.
hopefully AudioNervosa will never get out of control like AC.
Quote from: Response Audio on July 12, 2014, 04:28:53 PM
..... hopefully AudioNervosa will never get out of control like AC.
Amen to that! [-o<
more like get in control...if you know what I mean :( :roll:
I've been banned from both Audio aficionado and AC. Well I'm restricted on AC.
Basically putting down Solid state Macintosh got me banned from AA but I was pretty positive about their tube and integrated stuff.
On AC I got restricted after responding to JohnR using Zappa lyrics on a Zappa appreciation thread (which I think he had no idea he was on). When he figured it out my troll he wiped the thread and restricted me.
Dam it was worth it though. lol. :rofl:
AC is a very strange site
If I see John R on a thread I try and stay away from posting on it. He is erratic and you never know how he is going to interpret even innocent things, let alone anything that contradicts the intent of the original poster, or himself.
I was banned, but that was lifted alomst a year later when they did a complete amnesty. I do visit there, but post far less frequently than before. Most of the active threads are all on the manufacturer forums, which I avoid.
Some of the crusading going on lately against fuses and tweaks on AC is out of control imo... and there's no way I'd buy an amp from someone who thinks coupling caps don't make a difference. :duh
The fact that kind of thing gets a free pass and other people get booted for no good reason at all is not cool.
its orwellian over there.
nothing to learn there...just watch all the insecurities....its fun to watch
Audio is a hobby as well as a passion. There are so many different perspectives, ideas and opinions (preferences). While I have my own theories and beliefs, I wont dismiss the opinions of others.
I have always believed in the idea of "Build your system for yourself, not the critics"
Unfortunately, different opinions create debates and debates never have a "winner". Debates only lead to arguments and getting banned on forums for defending your personal opinions.
Quote from: Response Audio on July 19, 2014, 07:25:29 AM
Audio is a hobby as well as a passion. There are so many different perspectives, ideas and opinions (preferences). While I have my own theories and beliefs, I wont dismiss the opinions of others.
I have always believed in the idea of "Build your system for yourself, not the critics"
Unfortunately, different opinions create debates and debates never have a "winner". Debates only lead to arguments and getting banned on forums for defending your personal opinions.
Funny thing...my experience with people that have strong opinions on a forum. They will go to a rave or listening session and sit through it and say nothing about how they really feel about what they heard. At least till they get out of ear shot of the host and then trash them.
If one feels so strong about the good sound of their system or their expertise, why not politely make their point and offer advice on the particular issue ?
Greg
Quotewhy not politely make their point and offer advice on the particular issue ?
I think this is because nobody wants to offend someones system. You would think that if you are at a Rave or gathering that you are among friends and able to discuss things openly. I know I prefer honest feedback even if I may not agree with what one has to say. At least it would be a mature discussion.
Its not what you say rather how you say it.
I got banned for acting like this
http://youtu.be/F7g-K0bvmOs
Ah....ummm... maybe too much coffee that day?? :lol:
Thanks for the clip
Me as well with my Promithius stint in business. All is well now, however not there much. To many flat earthers and trouble makers.
I have had the opportunity to hear some of their systems and not impressed at all. Clueless IMO.
charles
Quote from: Nick B on July 21, 2014, 04:56:46 PM
Ah....ummm... maybe too much coffee that day?? :lol:
Thanks for the clip
Actually i was referring to the psychiatrist. Offering help but only get reactions resembling Pet Detective on AC.
Not to mention that pile of shit Russell Dawkins, badgering people who aren't in line with his studio version of hi fi. He hasn't figured out its two entirely different hobbies. Trying to wipe wash everyone's opinion because he set up a mic and used a level board. Who cares about recording the guy is a complete pile of shit.
A few years back, JohnR and I decided to stay away from each other... if he post on a thread, I stay away.
And there are clearly a group of idiots masquerading as knowledgeable audiophiles... but I'll say this, for every nutcase over there, there are 2-3 very devoted people with knowledge, experience, and the willingness to share. Yeah there's a lot of white noise to filter through, but there is also a lot of good info.