I found this YouTube video on ASMR interesting as viewed through the lens of an audiophile. As explained in the video, ASMR is an auditory response phenomena where certain sounds are perceived as very intimate. Causing a very pleasurable neurological reaction in some listeners. Among other stimuli, ASMR is reported to occur from the sound of some music (mentioned at the 6:30 time mark of the video). Not all listeners seem to be sensitive to the effect. Among those who tend to be sensitive, however, are those who are introverted, or have some degree of anxiety.
I immediately thought about we audiophiles as a group. I’ve always wondered why so many of us are incessantly worried about minute aspects of our systems. About whether the sound we currently obtain could, maybe, be a smidge better if we changed from one brand of interconnect cable to some other brand, or whether our phono cartridge VTA is off a few degrees. Why some of us express the sensation of having an ‘eargasm’ when listening to live music, or to the sound really good playback. Why we are so overwhelmingly male. It’s unfortunate that a gender breakdown of ASMR sensitivity isn’t included in the video.
I immediately thought about we audiophiles as a group. I’ve always wondered why so many of us are incessantly worried about minute aspects of our systems. About whether the sound we currently obtain could, maybe, be a smidge better if we changed from one brand of interconnect cable to some other brand, or whether our phono cartridge VTA is off a few degrees. Why some of us express the sensation of having an ‘eargasm’ when listening to live music, or to the sound really good playback. Why we are so overwhelmingly male. It’s unfortunate that a gender breakdown of ASMR sensitivity isn’t included in the video.
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