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Falling in love again

How we form a relationship with our hi-fi
By John Groom

December 2002

I once had a love affair with an MX5 sports car. She was sensitive, fast, exciting and high maintenance. She clung so close to the road that when I drove her over a cigarette butt I could tell what brand it was!

With her top down it was all on: fast, natural and so uplifting it brought tears to my eyes. I miss those days.

Now I drive a late model, low kilometre, Japanese import. (No names please.) It’s a comfortable car with all the modern conveniences. I was surprised to find the other day that I was exceeding any speed I had ever achieved with the MX5. It just didn’t seem that fast.

In the same way that we are in relationship with our vehicle, we are also in relationship with our hifi. There have been pieces of equipment which have left me flushed, enthralled and panting for more, but they are not the things that I choose to live with.

My system is a compromise between vitality and comfort. In the sports car being too close to the action exposed me to diesel fumes, driver abuse, and cold winds. In hifi I don’t necessarily want a full Monty experience that exposes the music’s most sensitive parts.

I put a high value on the integration of sound. At best the hifi system should be able to be ignored or talked over. On the other hand, I don’t want the hifi sound to be so bland that it disappears into the wallpaper.

The resolution to many relationship problems can be from renewal. We all know the car only seems to run better after we wash it but we certainly enjoy the experience more. No, turning the hose on the hifi won’t increase your musical enjoyment.

We can experience renewal musically in a number of simple ways that don’t have to involve major upgrades. Try buying a few new CDs or even pulling out the old favourites that you have not played for a while. Invite around a hi-fi friend who can help you appreciate the musical qualities that you have already achieved. If all else fails switch the power off and pull the plugs in and out a few times. Most relationships are enhanced by a closer connection.

While the power’s off maybe you could wipe the equipment down with a damp cloth; you never know it might work just like a car wash?

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