My advice to anyone is to stop reading hi-fi magazines. Go to the library and read The Master Handbook of Acoustics by F. Alton Everest. Obtain a pair of Tannoy 15" dual concentric speakers, and build your system around them. I prefer single-ended triode tube amplifiers, e.g., Art Audio Jota or Wavelength Cardinal, but YMMV. Get a good preamp such as Cary SLP05, which is a proven design of long standing. Avoid flavor of the month components. Avoid a company that keeps redesigning its products. Treat your listening room with acoustical devices.
Accuracy vs. musicality
I imagine if you have an unlimited budget you can have both ultimate accuracy and musicality.
For those of us whose budget is somewhat limited, we usually have to make a choice.
I very recently obtained speakers (which I prefer not to name so as to avoid debate. Some of you do know them.) These speakers were criticized by an Agoner for not being accurate.
Now, I heard the speakers he liked better and they we’re fine, and maybe more “etched,” but they did not convey the musical message as well to me. Indeed I compared many such speakers recommended by members (there was little love for mine) and I found them not to have the sound I hear in a concert hall. They did not communicate to me as well.
So, what’s more important: precise accuracy or musicality?
For those of us whose budget is somewhat limited, we usually have to make a choice.
I very recently obtained speakers (which I prefer not to name so as to avoid debate. Some of you do know them.) These speakers were criticized by an Agoner for not being accurate.
Now, I heard the speakers he liked better and they we’re fine, and maybe more “etched,” but they did not convey the musical message as well to me. Indeed I compared many such speakers recommended by members (there was little love for mine) and I found them not to have the sound I hear in a concert hall. They did not communicate to me as well.
So, what’s more important: precise accuracy or musicality?