The Gift of Oneself
It's that time of year again. And, whether you go through
all the equinox-equivalents with a happy smile or a rigid grin, let me wish you the joy of
the season. Or, if you prefer, all the dour pleasure of being above it all. Chacun à
son gout, y'all.
I get letters from audiophile significant-others (or
current lifetime companions (CLC), to use my favorite euphemism) asking about gift ideas
for audiophiles. I think this is a grand gesture, but I'm not sure I can completely
recommend giving a major component to a hi-fi nut.
I know audiophiles who love the search more than the gear,
so giving them a component deprives them of their favorite part of the hobby. I know other
audiophiles who teeter precipitously on the edge of a decision forever. If they
make a choice, they risk getting it wrong, so year after year, they speak of that new
preamp. But God forbid they should get one -- suddenly all the other choices would seem
better. No, unless you share a rare open communication with your audiophile, best leave
component acquisition to him. Or, in those few cases where applicable, her.
Accessories are the way to go. AudioQuest Little Feet ($45
for four) are sorbothane half-spheres which are made of the most energy-absorbing material
on earth -- perfect for isolating components from shelf-borne vibrations.
Blu-tack ($9.95/pack) is a clay-like substance that does
much of the same job as sorbothane, only it comes in a sheet that can be cut or twisted
off into tiny beads that can be used anywhere you need it. I always use Blu-tack between
speaker and stand, where it also serves to mildly bind the two together.
If you know an audiophile who doesn't have a dedicated
outdoor antenna, an easily mounted single-element dipole antenna, such as Magnum Dynalab's
ST-2 ($89.95), is guaranteed to improve FM reception. Even apartment dwellers can benefit
from this, as the antenna can be mounted to either the inside or outside of a windowsill.
And, of course, there's always software (see Music),
truly a gift that keeps on giving.
But I'd like to propose a radical idea, a gift that works
for both audiophiles and "civilians." It is simple and it doesn't have to cost
anything. Share the passion.
If you're an audio-widow (or widower), show some interest
in the hobby. I don't mean fake it, I mean try to see what your own audiophile likes about
it. Sometimes this just isn't possible, I realize. If your audiophile is obsessing over
audio minutia, you may have no common ground to work with. I know I've shut my wife out
that way on occasion.
But generally, you can find something. If you overhear some
interesting music, go on into the listening room and ask about it. Ask to listen to it in
the sweet spot. Ask about other music like it. Tell your hobbyist what you like
about it.
This is priceless stuff. You get to spend time with someone
you love -- and so does he or she -- plus you are validating your CLC's choice of hobby.
Both of you will get a lot more out of it than spending the same time apart -- I'm
guessing here, but basing it on my own experiences. Don't fret that your audiophile will
resent your intrusion. He or she is bound to spend more than enough time alone with the
hobby. Your interest is a guaranteed turn on.
Similarly, if you're the audiophile, consider giving your
time and attention to your non-audiophile CLC. Give your spousal-equivalent some music you
know he or she likes and offer to listen to it together. And when you do, forget all about
listening attentively if conversation seems to be what your loved one wants -- remember,
it's not your turn yet.
And when you do talk, forget the audio jargon. Speak
English. Better yet, shut up and listen. To your loved one, not the system. You might
remember how much fun the two of you can have together.
You can do this with your kids, too. Nothing beats
listening to music with an enthralled five-year-old in your lap -- unless it’s
discovering that your 15-year-old thinks you're cool because you could listen to a whole
Kid Rock CD without telling him how much better Steppenwolf was.
If you do this regularly, you just might discover that
being an audiophile doesn't have to mean listening to music by yourself -- at least not
all the time. All you have to lose is your reserved seat in the sweet spot.
...Wes Phillips
wes@onhifi.com
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