When it comes to filtering hi-fi promotions, we each have our own gamut to run, starting with generally-untethered “technical” claims, also “attributions” and “associations” aimed at bolstering the “credibility” of the gear and promoter. With these gambits we are typically offered the “reasons” for better sound along with introducing the unimpeachable, wizened elders who nobly brought this stuff to light (and sound). On a good day (for hi-fi promotions), we are finally offered what amounts to a “Proof of Concept” demonstration, where the person or people making the audio presentation offer up something they believe (or simply hope…) “seals the deal”, by letting prospective clients “hear for themselves” what the proffered gear can do in the way of sound and/or music. If you find yourself in this latter situation, try forgetting for a minute the “technical issues” involved in this process and simply ask yourself if this demonstration “works” for you; does it help you to make a determination, whether or not to pursue the proffered gear? Was it the sound or was it the music that moved you? Can you dig deeper about what in particular moved you?  Meanwhile, try to hold on to the thought that however moved you might be, this could be the only time it happens, or it might be that the only way to make it happen again is to basically re-stage the specific event that moved you in the first place. In the end, after money is tendered and the gear finds a new home, we begin again the process of wheedling out of the gear the sound we actually want that allows us the Music we actually want to listen to. If All Went Well, we used our personal aesthetics as guides, filters and gates to sort the gear prior to adopting it, and we also use our aesthetics in setting up and refining the sound and the Music we get from the gear at home. As noted ad nauseum, personal aesthetics certainly play an important role in digesting and refining the experience that shapes the Music experience and the system, alike, if there is more to be gotten from the system than untethered sound and +/- random sound effects. How great for those with aesthetics so finely tuned that they can find what they want irrespective of the delivery system!>>

Paul S