This popped into my head when reading the OP's question. Wouldn't it be cool if there were an app that would allow you to "plug in" various components and it would spit out the overall sound characteristics of that system? It might save a lot of fussing around with the trial and error approach. Basically you could create a virtual system and get feedback on how it sounds. Of course it would require a huge amount of data. (Watch, someone will develop this and make millions).
High definition vs. tonal balance
After many, many years as an audiophile, I’ve come to a conclusion that a goal of tonal balance is far more rewarding and less crazy producing than the quest for greater and greater definition.
Of course, both together is Nirvana. But so many audiophiles go awry in the holy quest for lucidity.
Years ago I had a system that was far less defined than the system I have today. But, tonally, it was in perfect balance. A violin sounded like a violin, an oboe like an oboe, a trumpet like a trumpet, you get the idea. But, it was lacking in those elusive fine points of definition that I thought I needed.
Then began a many year’s quest to find the right component, wire, fuse, what have you to get the sharpest picture I could attain. Trouble is, I would improve one aspect at the expense of another. More piling on of fixes and I couldn’t get to the place of happiness I had before I started.
Finally, probably by luck and after thousands of dollars I’ve reached the point of content I was at several years ago.
Maybe my system is better defined now, but it also has achieved that synergy.
My point is, was it worth the torture?
Of course, both together is Nirvana. But so many audiophiles go awry in the holy quest for lucidity.
Years ago I had a system that was far less defined than the system I have today. But, tonally, it was in perfect balance. A violin sounded like a violin, an oboe like an oboe, a trumpet like a trumpet, you get the idea. But, it was lacking in those elusive fine points of definition that I thought I needed.
Then began a many year’s quest to find the right component, wire, fuse, what have you to get the sharpest picture I could attain. Trouble is, I would improve one aspect at the expense of another. More piling on of fixes and I couldn’t get to the place of happiness I had before I started.
Finally, probably by luck and after thousands of dollars I’ve reached the point of content I was at several years ago.
Maybe my system is better defined now, but it also has achieved that synergy.
My point is, was it worth the torture?