How do you feel about your obsession?

Hi, everybody! I'm new posting on this forum, though I've been checking it out for a couple of weeks now. I thought I'd introduce myself by sharing some thoughts I've had during that time. I hope you can relate...

You keep looking for an audiophile version of every title you own. You scan your collection at least once a day, stopping at every inferior CD, thinking what to do about it. Then you remind yourself no matter how much you spend, you'll never have a perfect-sounding music library. Not anytime soon anyway. Not until Steve Hoffman gets a crack at remastering everything. But how can that ever possibly be? And even then, would you be satisfied?

How does it feel to know your quest will never come to a full conclusion? That you'll come across a great-sounding CD, be on Cloud 9 for a couple of days--maybe a week--only to be pulled down to earth by the weight of your obsession?

How does it feel that your friends and family think you're a bit of a nut? That they stare in disbelief when you tell them how many records and CDs you own? That when you discuss music with them, you might as well be talking to a Martian? That Steve Hoffman, Bob Irwin and Bill Inglot are everyday names to you but mean absolutely nothing to them?

I LOVE IT, that's how it feels. It's what keeps me happy at work--visiting the music store during my lunch hour, checking out this website on my breaks, thinking that upcoming remaster will be the "perfect" one. And as long as I have my family to remind me what's most important--and as long as this forum is here, allowing me to put my thoughts into words, allowing me to share those words with all of you--I know I'll be all right.

 

My doctor says it helps me to not be afraid of the sidewalk cracks.

 

Jason,

Welcome to the SH forum. We're all nuts here, according to my wife at any rate.

Yes (sigh), it's a very lonely life being passionette about music. At least down in the US. you're surrouned by other audiophiles, where as up here I know of maybe 10 audiophiles, nation wide.

If it wasn't for here I think my wife would have had me commited long time ago.

Excuse me....Time for my medication and back to my padded room.

 

Hello...welcome aboard! I too just found this forum only a few months ago and I have learned a lot from everyone here. I am glad there's a place to be able to 'congregate' with like-minded and not-so like-minded audio enthusiasts.

You can't listen to every CD and so it's been great to hear others opinions on what the best releases are available. Of course, if it says DCC and/or Hoffman on it you know you've found the best available copy.

 

I thought you and Gary were the only 2...you mean there's 8 more?

 

Being an audiophile is work, learning and persistance. It's just like having another "fun" occupation. The stuff never stops, the new fronteer is never very far, and the rewards are endless to those with an open mind.

I don't give a flying monkey WHAT my doctor might say. Photography is kinda the same thing, just like the perfect "shot".

And my significant other isn't bothered by it at all. We both enjoy it....

 

If there's a cure for this, I don't want it, don't want it!
If there's a remedy, i'll run from it!

 

Ah. It's just that Gary and I talk the most.....here anyways.

Other Canadian forum members are Beagle, Buster, Blair G., and for sure 2 or 3 that I've temporarilly forgotten.

 

Grant,

Great to quote "Love Hangover"! Is that from the single mix?

All,

I do not think I am obssessed, at least not yet. I simply have not the reached the "obsessed" level of posts as a forum member. How many posts is that? Did someone say that there is new CD plant in Teria del Fuego that is releasing only audiophile CDs?....

Dave,

Do not forget that 11th audiophile who lives in Churchill or is it Baker Lake?


Jason,

Welcome to the forum. You will, hopefully, make some new friends and learn a lot!

Bob

 

Obsessed, who's obsessed. Are you tryin' to tell me it's not normal to have 9 or 10 copies of the same album and still be looking for the perfect one. Damn, no wonder I get those wierd looks when folks come over. I'll have to buy more to make myself feel better now, where's that wallet.

 

Even as I write I am about to spend yet more cash on another DCC or MoFi...once bitten by the SH Forum bug..there is no going back!

Welcome to the enlightened audiophiles light wallet crew.

 

HI Dave,

Just reminding you that there are many rabid audiophiles in Hogtown (Toronto).

Gary and I met recently. If you are ever in T.O. let us know and perhaps we'll meet up.

Used to travel to Vancouver often. Love your used CD stores!

Later.

 

I am beginning to wonder if I am not becoming obsessed with this forum as much as I am with audiophile music....help.....aaaaaaaaahhhhhh!

 

Yes without a doubt a certain group of people are we. I would not have it any other way! I am getting tired of the reissue game. I already have much of Steve's work that I bought years ago. They are still my favorites. I do not see them being replaced ever.

 

I've been trying to find audiophiles where I live, but most of the time to no avail. One guy here in my town, got his equipment pictured in Listener Mag. I can't find the guy! the forum iis great for hanging out, but I wish we could sit down with each other in front of the same system in the same room!

 

That would be a fun time for all!

 

I can quit any time I want to. I just don't want to. And I feel fine

 

I want to thank you all for the kind words. Glad to be here.

 

Audiophile? Let's put it this way, I don't even know anyone with a big stereo around here that isn't early 80s Sansui and Kenwood. Most people I know have little more than a Wally-World bookshelf stereo, and that's just for DVD!

 

Hmmm, is that the WW3400A or B? I've always found the A version is much better sounding that the B. The A version still uses a replica of Wally's arm for the tonearm and uses the solid stainless steel needle. Much better sound! The B version was a cost-reduced version, and I can tell the difference from a mile away. It sounds like crap... (No, I am not obsessed with audio!)