Paul, it seems like we're pretty much in agreement on all that.

Just for the record, although I'm a committed sceptic (not just with regards to hifi) I consider myself an open-minded one. I certainly don't write everything off as snake oil, and I'm not of the "big guys are out to get us" mindset either.

By the way, I've found that one of the good things about getting older is that you can increasingly avoid that "emperors new clothes" syndrome as you gain the confidence to make up your own mind about stuff, which is really rather liberating.

Studying at art school, I was always suspicious of but mildly intimidated by some of the "art theory" spouted by many of those around me to justify their position. There was always the feeling that the reason it seemed nonsensical was because I didn't know or understand enough. Now, I've come to realise that the reason it seemed nonsensical was because in 80% of cases, it was. Which means that my visits these days to modern art galleries are more enjoyable because if I think it's bollocks, I just say so.

Similarly, I've recently been liberated somewhat from the habit of endless fiddling around with my hifi setup rather than just using it to listen to music.

Not that I've managed to kick that habit, entirely, however ....