Back when I was younger, I thought McIntosh was the pinnacle of audio. I only read Stereo Review then and was quite happy with my Pioneer-Teac-Akai system. Now, with the web and reading other various publications, McIntosh just seems to be in the middle, abeit still expensive to most. |
Nothing improves a system more than well recorded content. It could be a $500 system or 6 figures. Especially nowadays when proper recording studios are used less and less ( im talking mostly rock/pop) many expect that the $7000 cable will bring sonic bliss with recordings recorded with sm57’s in an apartment or house using protools. Also, many expect a crappy sounding hit album will somehow sound less crappy with mqa or dsd ( not taking a total remix into account).
That’s why I like Zu’s attitude at gear shows. ZU is generally cranking out fun music from all over without focusing on the “audiophile” aspect.
So, as I upgrade, my focus is on the “enjoyment” aspect of the components. Not so much on the scientific part ( although i do understand that matching components is critical).
The main reason I love my new Nuforce amp (it was ordered an in between amp...but loved it so much i decided to kerp it around longer) is it makes me want to listen and it makes listening fun. |
The more one upgrades....the more one upgrades.
I always wonder, even after a new component I like, how can I take the improvement further |
If you recall a few years back, Lexicon released a $3000 dvd player that was a rebadged $500 oppo. Lexicon added no engineering of their own. With that said, does this ever happen in the super expensive audio components? |
Ayon Audio (USA Tube Audio) has classified ads here on audiogon for $25,000 amps (plus other items lower in price). There must be a decent market for such since the ads are everywhere here. I purchase items blind thru the internet since there’s nothing, outside of HT gear, locally to hear in person. Of course, I always make sure there is a good return policy. With that, the stuff I buy is $4000 and under.
I wonder how disappointed a dealer would be to have someone purchase such a high priced (the $25,000 Ayon amp) item only to have it returned. Plus, how cooperative the dealer would be. That’s $25,000 anyway you look at it (a lot of money). I guess that’s the waters the dealer chose to swin in.
Some of the high priced items, like D’agostino, are beautiful to look at and I am sure they sound fantastic |
I've never been one trying to reproduce the concert hall with a home system. Outside of orchestra/classical and acoustic (non or very low amplified) in the right setting, my system sounds way better than any general concert. I'm more into trying to reproduce what the mastering engineer hears at his/her desk and let the character of my equipment and environment "color" that sound to my liking. |
I think one thing that plays a key role (no matter what audio $$ level) is each new addition (or improvement) may highlight some other weakness that did not stand out before. Even if very minor. That is where "tweaking" with things like cables, room treatments, power cords, etc may come in. I purchased my new Nuforce amp a couple months ago. The bass and the clarity was there. However, just a smidge harsh on upper frequencies. I purchased a new tube Pre amp and the harshness is gone and I have silky smooth mids. I was not expecting, when I purchased the Nuforce amp, to pay an additional $3500 for a tube pre. It's a constant give and take |
Although not as expensive, upgrading recordings can add quite a bit of cost. With each new remaster, hi rez release, im sure many own multiple copies of a single album, in many formats. Myself, I have pretty much purchased every vinyl, cd edition of Dark Side of the Moon thru the years. |
I’ve heard numerous times “your system is only as good as the weakest link”
in many of the high $ systems, the material ( music) one listens to is actually the weakest length. Over at Computer Audiophile, people debate the merits of $5000 usb cables. In reality, general industrial grade data cables were used to transfer the master recording data to the cd pressing equipment. The same cables used on all these hi rez music streaming systems using general industrial server hard drives.
Most recording studios are wired to keep out noise more so than audiophile quality. Thus, most studios are wired with Beldon/ Canare level wiring. Plus, using general data cables and hard drives ( although Glymph caters to the audio/ video industry, i would not consider them audiophile since same drives are used as in any orher system)
At he end of the day......better sound is better sound....just something I’ve thought about
|
In my small home studio I use Mogami GOLD balanced monitor, midi and mic cables. I thought about trying Mogami's on my main home system as well since they sound so nice and are quiet as a mouse. Pretty much BlueJeans cables in main home system except speaker cables (Canare star quad) |
Rich people are music lovers, enjoy hobbies, etc just like anyone else. Your available funds will dictate how far one goes into their interests and what youbdo. The multi million dollar rich person may tinker with $700,000 stereos, exotic cars, art. Thats the world they live.
Just like many of us dabble mid fi systems and may have saved a few yesrs to purchase a nice convertible. Thats the world I live
The minimum wage audiophile may be only able to save for a nice set of headphones and player.
|
