I have several systems set up. A mid-fi TV surround sound setup, a vintage tube Dynaco one, a utility system with Fosi Audio and Bellari bits, and my “good” stereo, which until recently had a CJ SS preamp, a Schiit SS power amp, and Pro-Ject phono preamp. I have speakers of my own construction using Dayton and Morel components. I wasn’t loving it as much as I thought I should, so I recently bought a Quad 33 and 303…liked by Steve Guttenberg and other on-line pundits. My listening pleasure has improved greatly and my system is considerably simpler now. I also transitioned all my fancy unbalanced interconnects to cheap balanced XLR ones from WBC (Canare cable). Between the Quad’s unusual Tilt and Bass controls and the Schiit Lokius eq I can listen at moderate levels with tremendous clarity and what seems to be tonal naturalness. These components sell for an unusually reasonable price for the quality they offer. If the power is not enough, the amps are bridgeable. The phono preamp isn’t as flexible as the Pro-Ject, but sounds fine with all my cartridges.
Do sound characteristics matter when moving from midfi to hifi?
Like many, i'm waiting and researching while waiting until I can afford my next upgrades. As I read the pluses/minuses of each piece, I wonder if it only matters once you reach a certain level. Hypothetically, if going from Sony, Marantz, Schiit am I going to find something that I don't like about Pass Labs, Conrad Johnson, Coda? Everything I have, I bought online so I din't audition anything prior. Back in the 80s, when I bought my 1st system, (Yamaha, Infiniti) I bought what I could afford again without much auditioning. Just curious on the point of view from the more seasoned crowd.