Quote:
I'm new to this scene, but I've developed a working hypothesis: audiophiles are hackers.

Stay with me - I don't know how many of you are into the "hacking" scene, but there are skewed definitions. In the Hacker Dictionary (yep, it is pretty legit), a "hacker," in one sense, is defined as "A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary." (I personally think that this sounds a little demeaning. Some people just simply want to use their systems to complete tasks, so I would clarify that deciding to learn "only the minimum necessary" is not a negative thing). Basically, the term is a positive spin on computer nerd.

I use Linux, and I have for several years. I prefer it because I can tinker with it, manipulate it, and make it my own. (I also have philosophical issues with most proprietary software, but that is another issue).

Importantly, there are very few cookie-cutter methods of doing anything in Linux. It starts with distribution (Ubuntu, Fedora, OpenSuse, etc.). Then on to environment (KDE/GNOME). And there are several in-house debates as to which is superior. The same applies here (tube v. solid state, bailing wire vs. expensive cable, analog vs. digital). But, just as Linux users are united in their affection for an operating system, audiophiles are united in their appreciation for great sound - even if they disagree on what that is.

In my short time in this new hobby, I've noticed similar qualities in seasoned audiophiles. There is no single, on-size-fits-all solution to many questions -- people have to figure out things for themselves. Why not grab whatever new home theater system is on display at Best Buy? The same reason a hacker wouldn't buy a prepackaged computer.

Any thoughts? Anyone else also a major computer geek?

It's a pretty decent thought, actually. There's certainly a lot of overlap, just as there is between car buffs and audiophiles.

I don't have time to do any serious coding anymore. I can barely find the time to keep my Linux box updated. (One linux box, a couple of macs, and a PC laptop that belongs to my wife which she won't let me install linux on)

Linux, didn't help form the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, which is gonna cure some of the world's ills? So maybe free ware is worth every penny ya paid for it? But I do use FireFox and it's terrific, but they formed out of a commerical venture Netscape (Mozillz?) Never use dLinux, don't have any desire to. And how is RedHat stock doing anyway? Why not freeware for energy and freeware for food, hey, everything let's go teh Linux route, do you think the amazing antibiotics and medicines would have been discovered if not for the evil PROFIT motive, and patents and licensing? Linux is like socialized software? But taht eventually tumbles, everyone doesn't improve or progress, no motivation.

I think you're right on pretty much most of those accounts. I come from a design and creative background, leaning into some engineering and liberally dosed with a strong DIY attitude. In fact I sort of secretly hate it when there's nothing I can do to improve a component! Many, although not all, audiophiles just dig getting in there and tinkering, tweaking, figuring out not just HOW to make it sound great, but WHY it does.

I've seen some "gear collectors"- the guys that need to constantly upgrade and trade in, but they aren't very interesting guys I'm afraid, and never seem to enjoy the music much... In the end it still has to be about the music, which is why despite what I just said about loving to tinker, I stop thinking about my system and just settle in. This will be for quite a while (years) before I start thinking of upgrades or whatever.

And DUP's response is an almost classic Hacker rant in that he seems to hate anyone else giving him the Truth, let alone suggesting he's part of some "group." Rarely will you come across a more libertarian curmudgeon, excepting maybe a farmer in New Hampshire.

Unfortunately there is nothing libertarian about DUP.

Libertarianism puts a premium on individual liberty.

DUP is an authoritarian and views himself as teh sole authority.

(The hacker/audiophile simile is quite appropos.)

Quote:
You can't put "digital" rights management on vinyl .

You have the same DRM on vinyl as you do on a DRM protected file: You can copy it via its analog outputs.

Quote:

Quote:
You can't put "digital" rights management on vinyl .

You have the same DRM on vinyl as you do on a DRM protected file: You can copy it via its analog outputs.

Very true- I don't want to bring back cassettes, but back in the day it really was pretty fun making friends mix tapes! But back then the whole point was sharing the MUSIC, not sharing your "files." F!@** sharing your files! There's nothing fun or music loving about it! It's just "collecting" pure and simple.

How many people did you know during Napster's heyday who'd proudly tell you how many MP3s they had- or how many Gigs of MP3 files. That's nothing like sharing your music with friends.

Recording in real time off of records took time and care to make something good for your friends- possibly all afternoon to get just the right song order. It was for people who truly loved hanging out and sharing new music- exactly the spirit of what many of us are digging from Stephen's blog.

Quote:

Recording in real time off of records took time and care to make something good for your friends- possibly all afternoon to get just the right song order. It was for people who truly loved hanging out and sharing new music- exactly the spirit of what many of us are digging from Stephen's blog.

You can still do that with file sharing. Just copy your CDs for your friends using 1x write speed. That will record the copy disk in real time. The choices are there for you.

"You can still do that with file sharing. Just copy your CDs for your friends using 1x write speed. That will record the copy disk in real time. The choices are there for you."

Heheh- good one dude.