2. amps-preamps
  3. 191808-197360

Does old-fashioned necessarily mean out of date?

Having recently purchased an amplifier that I expect would not command the attention it might have a decade or so ago, it leads me to the following observation and question.

While technological innovation in the design and construction of audio equipment continues admirably unabated, I would assert that there are venerable products still being manufactured whose qualities seem to remain not only undiminished but unsurpassed regardless of the "cutting edge" products they are juxtaposed to.  I believe that one such product is the Ars-Sonum Filarmonia XP Universum.  It is meticulously--in fact, lovingly--constructed.  It utilizes high quality components assembled in an effective architecture to produce its modest but robust output of 28 wpc. Most importantly, the sound it produces, in conjunction with the right equipment, can only be described as glorious.  

So what I am wondering  is whether there are others who agree that the best way to go forward sometimes is to stay deliberately still.  And if so, to which pieces of equipment would this thinking apply.

Thanks.

mew2150

Showing 3 responses by kennyc

kennyc
1,839 posts
 

@mew2150 - it’s not black and white, true or false.

There are many facets to this high-end audio hobby beyond simply chasing the latest technology.  If’s not good, better, best but rather it’s subjective preferences for different presentations, especially in tube midrange such as Kondo, Shindo, Berning. Vintage turntables are still solid performers, big fan of tricked out Garrand 301.  Early electrostats speakers are still sonically competitive within their limited range. 

best way to go forward sometimes is to stay deliberately still. (Oxymoron?)

This can be interpreted 2 ways:

1) Sometimes it’s wise to not shop to purchase anymore - this is true 

2) Stop in fear that my current purchase will soon be obsolete - this is unwise, unwise to think this way.  High end audio, like high tech, will always be improving- the market drives it. Sitting on your hands will not change this.  One can try to purchase wisely to minimize component depreciation, like purchasing used.  But sitting out you’ll miss the benefit current components can lift your audio chain - a current DAC is “Sonically” more enjoyable “Now” which you’d loose out if doing nothing. Sure your bank would be fuller but if that’s the main concern, you’re in the wrong hobby.

kennyc
1,839 posts
 

Your argument that there is a sonic limit is a baseless claim, it is not a universal truth.  It can be “your” personal preference that any incremental changes are not worth it “for you”.  

kennyc
1,839 posts
 

@mew2150

Seems you are on the outside looking in meaning you have not listened to current top gear. High-end audio the sonics are significantly much better and thus much more engaging than box store components. Trying to think box store to reality is all there is to high-end audio is wrong. Audio reproduction is not an exact thing, so there are many sonic flavors/presentations with different components. Only direct listening experience will you understand the differences.

The sonics are so much better and engaging- that’s why we pay a premium above box store prices. To truly understand, I suggest demoing for yourself, best a major audio show like AXPONA. It’s like visiting the beach the first time - it’s more than lots of sky, sand, water - words not enough to describe the experience.

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