hi-fi

The heyday of hi-fi is well behind us, the advent of the micro chip has seen to that. The creation of more numerous high-tech devices have captured the public imagination, and it has led to a much better, more varied entertainment world for us all. While hi-fi itself is low on the priority list, the rise of the mobile device has meant there is probably more music being listened to currently, than in other period of human history.

This fact will have some in the hi-fi world immediately on the high horse of mp3 quality that it really needs to be at least 320kbs, if not 24bit. Then you have the tangent debate of is vinyl better than digital. This geeky stuff just puts those not in the know off, as they are not bothered by these things, as they get enjoyment out of what they listen to, discuss with friends, just as those with expensive kit do. The key point is you only need the most basic of device to get enjoyment out of music, one of life’s true pleasures.

 Most people seeing my hi-fi system would say it was a high-end system. And it is, but in the hi-fi world it’s low end. Having good equipment doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy something emanating from a cheap £20 Portable CD player. Any talk of only being unable to listen to a piece of music, without equipment made by x, y, or z, or in a certain format is just audiophiles talking with their heads up their proverbials.

I can’t deny I’m in the audiophile camp, but my view is having a better system does give me more enjoyment from my collection, in the tapping feet, sing-along, and play air musical instruments more manner.

I’m going to a hi-fi event later in the week. It will be interesting to hear what is on offer, and the associated talk. Indecipherable hi-fi reviewer terminology will have me either ruefully shaking my head, or going off on one.

Popular music is for all, it lost any elitism with the demise of progressive rock. You can get someone with a cheap system getting as much enjoyment as someone who has spent thousands. Just like musical taste, each unto their own, and whatever rocks your boat.