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?
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?