Mike, I will talk to you soon. Ya know, the more I look at that gorgeous room, the more I can't help but think that if I had that room, I'd probably be more likely to try and pick fights with my wife (who is so damn wonderful she's hard to pick with) so she'd make me "go to my room!"

I am one sick puppy!

fmpnd February 09, 2005 05:28

Mike, I think you have unfortunately misunderstood me. Let's face it, many of us are in this hobby becasue we love music. Some because they love the gear. Me, I must be totally honest and forthright here - I have a love of music that is paramount to every other "hobby" Ive had and it is a true passion. As you may know, I was a professional musician until my career was abruptly ended by an accident.

However, very soon after I fell in love with music, I became enthralled with the equipment that conveyed it. I still remember the first time I saw a Dual turntable, Mac amps and Walsh speakers - I was totally infatuated! I also must admit, unfortunately, at times my two loves have been paradoxically at odds. For example, in chasing that Audio Holy Grail of better sound, when I have bought more and more expensive and, hopefully, but not all the time, better and better gear, my level of expectation also goes up because I am expecting that extra cost to justify itself (taking into consideration, the diminishing returns inherent in this hobby, and most others). The problem is that I then listen more critically - listening more to the "system" or the "gear" or for "audiophile tricks" than for the emotional content of the music - and THAT is not a good thing for me - at least not when I listen that way for too long.

Why the long dissertation? Because when all the dust settles at the end of the day, the only thing that REALLY counts in this hobby, is ARE YOU HAPPY? Was the money you spent worth it and did you acheive your goal? I saw a post on AA where someone listed a website where a bunch of small-minded people are taking cheap pot shots at you, your system and your room. Fools!! If they don't like what you spent your money on, what harm is it to them? Most of those childish comments are likely based in envy, some just negative people who are narrow minded because THEY think they can build a better mouse trap. But in the end, YOU earned the money and YOU choose how and where to spend it to increase YOUR enjoyment based on YOUR priorities.

Hell, if you use their childish and critical approach, ask them why they bought a Seiko or Rolex when a Timex tells time or why buy a Honda or Lexus or Mercedes when a Yugo or Ford Escort gets you from point A to B. We all prioritize our spending based on our own experiences, values and preferences.

So Mike, no need to ever apologize to me. My only disappointment was that you didn't seem to want to respond. You have the most visible system on the Net and a logical by-product of that visibility is that people will ask questions.

The bottom line? If YOU are happy with the VR-9s, THAT is all that matters! During my short time in the Von Schweikert room at CES (while you were there), I didn't like the VR-11s at all. However, I am not sure it wasn't the demo that was the problem. To me when I heard the Pink Panther theme, I honestly felt like I was listening to music at an IMAX theater. I, personally, did not like hearing a sax that sounded 28 feet high - to me it didn't sound like real music but a testosterone competition. BUT, that was the VR-11s driven at loud volumes so the VR-9s in your room may be a totally different story. Just because I prefer the Kharmas doesn't make either of us right or wrong, just 2 people with different tastes. And it certainly doesn't upset me that you have changed speakers as I have no loyalty to any manufacturer, just loyalty to music. That is why I always tell people who compliment my system: "Don't compliment me, compliment the designers, all I did was buy it!"

Enjoy!

fmpnd January 31, 2005 17:05

Gee Mike, if I didn't know you better, I'd think I was being treated like the proverbial "red headed step-child!" LOL! If you are somehow offended that I asked about what speaker you are considering, then I apologize. I asked because the last time we spoke you were asking me about a sub-woofer and then a short time later I saw your speakers listed on A-Gon so I assumed you found a suitable alternative and I was curious what a guy with the best room on the planet would be using - simple as that.

fmpnd January 01, 2005 19:38

Mike, I see your speakers are for sale. What have you decided on for the new room?

fmpnd December 30, 2004 19:02

Shooting for spring (unless I get free in October).

Cajun? Kewl. Right up my alley!

I hear Bill's VR-11s sound awesome!!

fmpnd September 02, 2004 17:33

Mike, since you were the one responsible for turning us onto the Kharma/Tenor combo, I may be biased when I say that, with that room, those amps, that digital front end and that turntable if you get the diamond tweeters, you may NEVER leave the room!! Maybe, on second thought, you shouldn't get them, your wife may hate both of us!

I really loved Seattle and Portland last year when we came out so it would be a pleasure to come back out and hear that incredible system in your room! Maybe I can get JT to take us to Mother's again for some good food (then again, he may take me to Taco Bell). I promise not to drag you out to Woodinville and blow out your eardrums again! LOL!

PS - congrats on the Positive Feedback gig - long overdue!

fmpnd August 31, 2004 14:56

Mike, great explanation on that difference bewteen Kharma and Wilson - couldn't agree more.

On the room, stay patient, it will be worth the wait!

fmpnd August 30, 2004 17:25

Mike, I hope you don't consider it bad Kharma for me to tell you that the Tenor of my response to your upgraded system will be very Sirius indeed - but it appears that your system is not only very Transparent but will take you to the Valley of Valhalla (especially now that your Io is on the Lamm)! Congrats on the Sirius III buddy - so you had Jonathan carry it in eh? Smart man!

fmpnd November 04, 2002 04:07