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Am I Bad Listener?

Let me say from the outset that I love audio gear and I love the sound of mid-high end audio. But here's the thing ...

The only part of a system that I can hear a real difference in is speakers. In my system over the past few months I have tested three different amps (a 30W tube, a 150W SS integrated and a 200W SS amp plus a bi-amp configuration), a tube preamp, no preamp (direct to amp via DAC with volume control) and most recently a bunch of different speaker wires (my original Audience Maestros, a DIY Home Depot 10 gauge concoction, Anticables and two other sets of very expensive wires borrowed from a local dealer - some bi-wired & some single with jumpers). Oh, and a series of different IC's.

With the possible exception of the insertion of the tube preamp, I can't really tell much of a difference regardless of what I do. I have had similar experiences at dealers. But switching back and forth between different speakers I can hear huge differences.

I think my system sounds really good but is modest by comparison to many on A'gon - Olive Musica, Benchmark DAC, Minimax Preamp, Meridian G57 amp (sometimes switched for a Classe or Prima Luna) - so maybe that's it. In a modest system the effect of switching components or wires just won't yield huge sound changes. Or maybe I just don't hear in a very detailed manner.

I spend a fair amount of time reading posts here and people claim to have genuine sonic revelations by switching an interconnect or a tube or piece of speaker wire. I love buying the new stuff and giving it a try but I just don't seem to ever hear a sonic revelation and end up re-selling it.

Does anyone share my experience or is there something this sad, pathetic audiophile is missing?
itball

Showing 1 response by eee3

eee3
214 posts
 
Aside from having the critical listening syndrome, which I've acquired as well, I think you also have developed what most audiophiles( not music lovers)have and that is chasing the elusive "absolute sound" Which basically means you'll never be satisfied! This is unfortunately one of the big drawbacks of this hobby; continually upgrading.
If you are others don't think this is true just look at how many ads are on this site on a daily basis!!
Having said that, I will also say that once you have reached the mid-highend level with your system, in order to improve on that you will generally have to move up another step, possibly two in order to get any meaningful improvement.
So,finally I would say to you look into tweaking. I've found that there're some good not to expensive tweaks out there that are definite improvements. (look at my system setup and some of my threads and responses)

Addendum; listen to the music not the equipment!
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