Audio & AI at Sound Approach

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone for Audio Advice

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere right now. Tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Google's AI Overview are being used to answer questions on just about everything from shopping to troubleshooting electronics. While these platforms can be convenient and helpful, they are not a replacement for real-world experience and technical expertise, especially when it comes to audio equipment. We recently worked with a long-time client that illustrates this perfectly. Watch the video below for the full story or read this news article featuring a breakdown of our discussion on AI & Audio Gear! 

The Situation: Two-Prong vs. Three-Prong Power Cable (and amplifier port)

A customer in Indiana purchased a high-end amplifier from us. Along with his order, we sent him a premium three-prong power cord to ensure the best performance. When he unpacked it, he noticed the unit only had a two-prong connection port on the back rather than the expected 3-connection port that includes a ground prong. Naturally, he called us to confirm whether the cord would still work and if using it a 3-prong cable in 2-prong port was dangerous.

Our response was simple:

•    Yes, it will work perfectly.
•    Yes, it is safe.
•    Yes, your unit is still grounded.  

In fact, the upgraded cable would almost certainly improve performance thanks to better shielding against interference, both Electro-Magnetic & Radio Frequency Interference. 

When AI Got it Wrong

Feeling somewhat skeptical by our answer, the client decided to double-check our response online. He asked an AI engine whether a three-prong cable could be used with a two-prong unit. The answer he received was confusing, incomplete, and in some areas completely wrong.

Why doesn't AI always get the answer correct? 

•    AI responses depend heavily on the exact wording of the question (the “prompt”).
•    If the prompt is unclear, the answer will be too.
•    AI doesn’t always have technical details about specific equipment.
•    Sometimes, an AI “hallucinates” meaning it will invent an answer that sounds convincing but is factually incorrect.

Because this response conflicted with what Sound Approach had told the client, they decided to contact the manufacturer of the cable directly. They confirmed exactly what Sound Approach told him from the beginning. The cable manufacturer's national representative even laughed and said, “AI is wrong. Sound Approach is correct.”

The Limitations of AI in Audio

AI can be useful in many areas of audio research:

•    Looking up product specifications
•    Comparing basic features between models
•    Drafting quick descriptions or summaries

But it consistently struggles when questions involve practical applications or system interactions. For example:

•    Understanding how a power cable interacts with a specific component
•    Explaining differences between on-wall and in-wall speakers
•    Recommending the right setup for sound quality in unique spaces

Even large companies like Google admit their AI systems sometimes confuse terms or mix up product categories. This can lead to frustration, certainly. But even worse, costly mistakes if consumers trust the information being provided.

Why Experience Still Matters

With over 53 years in the audio industry, we have seen just about every scenario. That kind of experience simply isn’t something AI can replicate with it's generative engine approach to answering questions. AI doesn’t listen to music. It doesn’t hear the difference between one cable and another. It can’t evaluate sonic performance the way trained ears can. At best, AI might someday reach 80–85% accuracy on technical details. But when it comes to musicality, subtle performance differences, or safety concerns, it will never replace expert human knowledge.

Key Takeaways! 

AI is a tool - a resource. It’s perfect for quick checks and general research. But like any tool, it must be used in the correct way. When you need reliable answers about how your equipment operates or interacts with other pieces, it’s simply not enough. If you’re ever unsure, don’t rely on AI’s guesswork. Call someone who works with this equipment every day.

At Sound Approach, our team is here to help with:

•    Confirming compatibility of cables, amps, speakers, and accessories
•    Explaining why certain setups work (or don’t)
•    Troubleshooting real-world problems that AI simply can’t account for
•    Offering trusted recommendations based on several decades of experience

If you have a question, don’t risk misinformation. Reach out to us directly!