Do you trust your system?


I was constantly upgrading gear, demoing songs, reading reviews, trying to find out why I had the feeling that the song I was playing shouldn’t sound the way it does. Something off or lacking, I luckily found a set of equipment and a room setup that if a song is off, it’s likely recorded that way. I trust my system to do a decent job.  I wonder do others get to a point where they are more critical of mastering techniques than something wrong with their equipment? Admittedly, it’s easier to say how a piece of gear or cable made some significant difference, but in what exactly since the music sources are so wildly manipulated by engineers?

dain

Showing 1 response by thyname

If you only listen to your own system, and your system only, you will never know if your system is the best (I am using “you” as in plural, not addressing any particular person), and whether it can be improved. If there is no reference point, there is nothing to improve. And unless you are a billionaire, you cannot possibly buy all what’s out there to try in your home.

 

You will need exposure. Things like visiting your friendly local dealer(s), going to audio shows, and most importantly having a network of local like-minded people to exchange visits. Bonus points if those audiophile friends are very experienced and passionate, and well heeled. And it’s also a lot of fun. Talking, listening, drinking. Socializing stuff humans do.
 

The more exposure the better. That’s the only way to create a good idea of what’s out there, that you can use to improve your own system. Of course, to your liking and preferences. That’s what I do. Consistently over the past 15+ years.

I go to live concerts too. A lot, but honestly though that’s no help in this regard, as the music I like is always amplified. But I have a great time nonetheless