It was 1977 and I and a couple of others decided to head into the loop (Chicago) and near north to make a day of it, getting high and just enjoying ourselves. We were graduating high school in a few days. One of the things we did was head over to Orchestra Hall ( B-4 remodel, name change) to see the Chicago Civic Orchestra rehearsing as my brother played in it as a student. We moved around the entire place, sitting virtually everywhere; main flr, 1st, 2nd balconies, the gallery, and box seats. On the way out we hung out just outside the center doors leading into the main floor. We then headed to what was at the time one of the two top audio dealers, Victor's Stereo. Never been in an audio place like that before. Now all of us were already starting out audio junkies (everybody actually owned real stereos back then) and heard quite a bit of stuff or so we thought. So when we walked into the main listening room, midway in the room I stopped turned towards the system playing and my jaw dropped. Original Quads were performing and the sound was basically like hanging out just outside the doors to the main floor at Orchestra Hall. All these years later I still remember that. And honestly, I have had few moments like that after hearing that system and it is never some ultra uber-expensive setup. Once it was a three thousand dollar rig. Even a $500.00 all in one package has done that for me. But that first visit to a true specialist dealer was ground zero for me and the hobby I guess.
How do you know when a stereo sounds good?
When do you know your system is pleasing to listen to? How do you conclusively prove to yourself that your system sounds good to you? How do you determine that you enjoy listening to music through your stereo? Do you have a suite of measurements that removes all shadow of a doubt that you are getting good sound, sound that you enjoy? Please share.