Preface
The posts in this category, https://avigalim.com/category/sound-music/, are very different from what most people choose to write about.
Perhaps it’s because most people try to promote products, but this blog has no such aspirations. Or maybe it’s because, unlike many others, what charms me about being an audiophile is the journey itself.
In any case, I prefer to write about the educational and philosophical aspects of being an audiophile rather than product reviews and technological advancements.
The premise
Someone would choose to go on this journey not because they love music. While it’s wonderful that people love music, not all music lovers would choose to embark on such a journey.
The premise is that, with a relatively low budget, you can discover depths of music you never imagined possible.
IEMs and headphones, even those with a relatively low budget, can bring you close to the music in a surprising way.
This is partly because, unlike a loudspeaker, a driver sitting so close to your ear loses almost nothing when delivering sound to your ear.
What they forget to mention
I keep repeating this, but it’s something people often forget: it’s a journey. You learn what affects sound and what your favorite sound signature is. You also learn about the shape of your ear and how crucial it is to understand the difference between a “closed environment” and an “open environment” for the sound and for you.
For example, I’ve learned that I have a hard time with headphones altogether. Although open-back headphones are slightly better, I still struggle with long sessions, whereas I can sit and listen to IEMs for hours on end.
I learned that, for in-ear monitors (IEMs), the cables and eartips are everything, and that, for headphones, the cables, headbands, and cushions are important. These not only help with comfort, but they also affect the sound.
As you accumulate IEMs and headphones, you also accumulate sound sources, such as DACs, DAPs, smartphones, and headphone amps. Each of these sources has its own characteristics and provides a different interpretation of the music you love, which makes you reevaluate your entire collection.
To Sum Things Up
Being an audiophile is an endless journey to improve the sound of the music you love and the way you listen to it.
Stay committed to it, and it will reward you every step of the way!
Enjoy the music,
Aviram