Why I DIY
Posted 10th November 2014 at 11:46 AM by cspirou
This entry probably would have made more sense as my first post.
From my observations it seems like most people persue this from a cost/benefit standpoint. Companies will cut corners a lot of the time in order to control costs. The more expensive products don't cut corners but the result is a higher price. The DIY enthusiast is willing to put the time in that many companies won't in order to get superior sound. No matter what though it seems like the end goal is to have the best sounding system given the resources you have.
Personally though I don't do this hobby as pursuit for the perfect system, even though that is my end goal. I am more interested in building my own system from an educational stand point. My first love has always been science. Figuring out puzzles is what I really enjoy. So while I love music, what I enjoy most are the calculations and the planning involved to make this a reality.
The reason I chose audio is because a lot of the electronics involved are relatively simple and within my reach. When I first saw the schematic for a tube amp I immediately thought "I can make that!", especially since I don't have to use a PCB. Building a 4K TV is a daunting task that can really only be done in a factory. But a top of the line set of speakers is within my reach. Plus there is just the satisfaction in just knowing how everything works.
From now on I hope to only post on my actual projects instead of these more philosophical posts. I am very happy to find this community of people that make their own audio gear and I hope I can make my own contribution to this community.
From my observations it seems like most people persue this from a cost/benefit standpoint. Companies will cut corners a lot of the time in order to control costs. The more expensive products don't cut corners but the result is a higher price. The DIY enthusiast is willing to put the time in that many companies won't in order to get superior sound. No matter what though it seems like the end goal is to have the best sounding system given the resources you have.
Personally though I don't do this hobby as pursuit for the perfect system, even though that is my end goal. I am more interested in building my own system from an educational stand point. My first love has always been science. Figuring out puzzles is what I really enjoy. So while I love music, what I enjoy most are the calculations and the planning involved to make this a reality.
The reason I chose audio is because a lot of the electronics involved are relatively simple and within my reach. When I first saw the schematic for a tube amp I immediately thought "I can make that!", especially since I don't have to use a PCB. Building a 4K TV is a daunting task that can really only be done in a factory. But a top of the line set of speakers is within my reach. Plus there is just the satisfaction in just knowing how everything works.
From now on I hope to only post on my actual projects instead of these more philosophical posts. I am very happy to find this community of people that make their own audio gear and I hope I can make my own contribution to this community.
Total Comments 2
Comments
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Hi cspirou, yes sometimes the journey is as valuable (or more so) than the end result. I think it is very smart to be concentrating on posting on your projects rather than getting caught up in philosophical discussions! I wish I did more work on my projects so I had more updates to post
Tony.Posted 17th November 2014 at 11:03 AM by wintermute
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I totally relate to your thoughts. When I was yonger, I always wanted a good sound system. But I am thrifty. I had lugged around a consumer grade stereo which got only occasional use. about 10 years ago, I pulled the speakers out of storage and realized they needed refoaming. That is how it all started. Now I can thoroughly enjoy developing a project. When it finally comes to life, it is like a first born. I would not trade it for the most expensive audiophile device available. It is mine, and the fact that it makes great sound is just all the more rewarding.Posted 14th February 2015 at 05:05 PM by wlowes
