Educating the Ignorant

[jneutron]

Ah, so you are a good skier? Or, you just told them meet you at the bottom? LOL

Hadn't been on the slope in seven years. The first 100 yards was pretty spastic, had ta teach my body how to turn again. It was by accident that the first trail in seven years ended up being a black diamond..we were tryin for the blue square, but they neglected to inform us that the blue wasn't open until another hundred yards or so after selecting the trail.

But yah, I was first to eat snow..my kids loved that..

Cheers, John

 

[JKL1960]

The thing is they are both engineers, one chemical and textiles, and the other mechanical, so you figure they could understand some of what I'm talking about. They find it easy to discount my knowledge as marketing junk seeing as how I don't have my PhD and therefore my opinion doesn't technically matter to anyone.

Whenever they ask if their Bose system sounds good, all I can consciously say is yeah it's the best system you can get, for free.

Personally I stay out of this stuff because there can be other reasons why people don't care about good fidelity. Not willing to pony up the cash is a big one. They then tell themsleves that spending all the money wouldn't matter anyway.

But if you want some ammunition here is some tacts I would try.

When they ask if their system sounds good ask them why they need to ask you. They have ears. Tell them that the only real true test of an audio system is that it be indistinguishable from reality. Point out that they spend all day listening to sounds in the real world. These sounds are unmatched for fidelity and if your sound system is indistinguishable from that, then it is good. Pretty simple terms if you ask me.

Ask them if they have ever answered the phone or the door because of sounds from a movie or TV. I have. When someone knocks on a door in a movie my system reproduces it so well that it is virtually indistinguishable from someone actually knocking on a door. I'm sure they've heard someone knock on a door before.

The hallmark of a fine audio system is that it is virtually indistinguishable from reality. Reality is the benchmark and unless they are deaf they are familiar with sounds from the real world.

This is why it really bugs me when people say "I don't need good sound, I'm not an audiophile."

I think we are all audiophiles.

 

[apatel25314]

wow i know how you all feel

 

[j_garcia]

There is no educating the ignorant; that is what makes them the ignorant. It isn't worth your time to try to convince them, if they don't get it, oh well.

 

[markw]

Close, but no ceegar.

There is no educating the ignorant;

Well, if they are up to trying something new, then you might be able to teach them something. Ignorance is being unaware of some things. We're all ignorant on some things.

that is what makes them the ignorant. It isn't worth your time to try to convince them, if they don't get it, oh well.

If they are incapable of learning, or simply refuse to learn, then they are not ignorant, they are stupid.

Ans, like I say, "Ignorance can be combatted by being willing and able to learn. Stupidity is forever!"

Of course, this does not apply to this guy's friends. They just aren't into audio and that's all there is to it. Not everyone is, and that's a choice, not ignorance.

 

[racquetman]

Read quote below.

 

[Jack Hammer]

My roommate likes the way my system sounds, but doesn't see the point of it. He usually listens to music on his old basic system in his room and is completely happy with the flat, dull, muffled sound of it. Some people really just don't care about sound quality. Why sh*t on their parade? Let them be happy with what they've got.

Jack

 

[highfihoney]

Why Waste Your Breath.

I dont even try to explain the differences unless somebody asks then i keep it as brief as possible,if the explainations get too long or detailed you'll soon see the deer in the head lights,instead i offer to let people spend some time listening to my main system with their choice of music,if they want to hear some pantera at 125db or miles davis at normal listening levels they can,i give them the remote & let em do as they please.

In 2 cases ive been asked to help build systems capable of outstanding performance & in one case i helped my friend build a system that would rival anything ive heard under 100k but most people i know are happy with their htib or their bose junk & i dont say anything,nobody likes to be told they spent their hard earned cash on junk because they were misinformed.

 

[stratman]

The bottom line is simple, the average joe doesn't care. So unless asked don't worry about it. Everyone is happy. One man's junk is another man's treasure, or so they say.

 

[billy p]

There are things I don't fully understand in this hobby that's why I'm a member . As the OP states most everyone around me is clueless or just don't care . However this hobby, I do for me.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Does anyone have any suggestions how to break it down to them, or should I just sit back and smile at their ignorance and know I'm experiencing better. I would like to convert them, but it's kinda hard.

The desire to upgrade is driven by the sense that there is always something better. If your friends are happy with what they have, why try to convince them otherwise?

 

[Jack Hammer]

How would you feel if someone tried to talk you into dumping your girlfriend because they don't think she's pretty enough? Isn't that your choice and not theirs?

That's a great analogy. People get almost as p*ssy about being told their equipment sucks. Generally, it just makes them feel bad. Unless they are looking to upgrade and have asked for your help, why make them feel bad?

Jack

 

[JoeE SP9]

Invite them over and play some music for them. Having a killer hi-fi is not like having a Ferrari. You can't park it out front and have people walk by and drool on it. Sit them in the sweet spot and demonstrate what good sound is. Some will be interested and others will not. Those that are interested need nurturing to foster our common disease.