True, JRD, besides, no one has reinvented the wheel and there are classics and classics sleepers around! Cheers, |
Spend all of your money on liquor. |
I'm am completely done. That's it, finished, I have reached the peek, the hilltop, the top of the mountain. I really mean it, well for now anyway. Well come to think of it, maybe not, someone (he knows who he is) is sending me new power cords to try again. So I guess I am back on, at least for a few more days and oh yeah, a dealer wants me to try the new Accuphase SACD/CD player but then I am done for sure, right? Yes. Well I may also want to try that Audio Note DAC I have heard about, but then I am done, well at least until I get to hear a few new speakers, yeah then I am done, finished, no more. Well does anyone know what the next greatest thing that is coming to market this year? Oh I forgot, I am done.
At least then I will be, I am sure of it!
|
Don't catch the magic ring! |
Stop subscribing to TAS, Stereophile, etc. It would seem that the guiding philosophy of these mags is "If it's new and expensive, get rid of your old, obsolete stuff and suck up your losses, and go into debt to get the latest "fave rave". There is no cure for this addiction, but cancelling your subscriptions might help! |
I notice a couple of others 'dropped out' with their Quad speakers, and I myself accomplished all my audio goals with diplole speakers. I believe that is where 'true to the original' Nirvana is located.
The Quads, Maggies, and MartinLogan, etc. however have that spesky bass integration, and narrow 'sweet spot' problem. Issues that have successfully been resolved with an active EQ/XO open baffle system to complete satisfaction.
Check out: www.linkwitzlabs.com Siegfried is the man. Really. |
I've done it.
I have the exact same system I've had for 3 yrs.
Sure,I wouldn't mind some new speakers.My k-horns are fine,I'm just bored with them.Lately,I've been lusting for
a pair of planars[accustats,eminent techs,maggies].I would to trade for a pair,but living in the weeds of Wisconsin I
don't think that will happen soon.I think that is what happens to most of us.Our gear sounds great,but we just get
"bored" with the sound of it. |
HI,
I recently went from separates to a YBA integrated.
For me its the minimalist thing. Why spend more if you can do it for less; less clutter, less investment but same or even better quality of sound. With what's been happening here and around the world (terrorism, war, Asian severe accute respirtory syndrome etc...) its nice to go back to basics.
Simple, Quality systems that sound great.
Less Hype more music :) |
Thoughts in line with mine here may have already been posted - if so, please disregard. If not...
In a word: Embrace it. That's right. The subconscious mind often works 180 degrees 'out of phase' with the conscious mind. In other words, if you keep 'telling' yourself that you must get off the merry-go-round - you will actually end up doing just the opposite.
Instead, embrace the notion that you really like this hobby. You can't wait to go out and look at/drool/audition the latest and greatest gear. Turn it loose. Watch what happens... You will begin to become more at ease with what you have and be able to not only live with what you got - but actually like it - for a long time. |
Gunnar: is this an application of the philosophy that the only way to deal with temptation is to give in to it? As a Catholic, I strongly object to this concept. |
Pbb, I think Gunnar is saying something quite different. Human nature being what it is, sometimes it is what you deny and repress that you inadvertently empower. The Catholic church state side is sadly coming to terms with this fact. This is not the first time. Disavowing the worldly they ruled the world rather mercilessly for some centuries.
Turn away from food or sex and see what is on your mind most often.
All folks work their way through this, IMHO. Most of the great Christians were great sinners first (Paul, Augustine,......). If you deny the journey you deny the destination.
Probably sounds too much like pop psychology for a catholic.
Sincerely
I remain, |
Yes, definitely embrace it Gunnar.
I think many centuries ago, Martin Luther would have made a fine audiophile. And if the day ever comes, rise up and fight against the Audio Inquisition. |
2nd the -embrace it- theory. If you hear the expensive stuff you may realize it really isn't as great as it's hyped to be. If you don't go out and listen, well; your imagination can play on all the hype you read and make you think $20,000 speakers are that much better than $2,000 speakers. And if you do listen and they're better, you'll only be out $18,000 :-). Usually more bass and louder spl is all you get for more money.
I read about one guy who taped a picture of some $15,000 speakers over his humble rig and imagined that was what he was listening to. |
My last post was written with a certain degree of levity in mind. Seems it didn't shine through though. People stateside (and elsewhere, I imagine) seem to forget all the good that the Catholic Church did over the years. I remember hearing not long ago on Public Radio a program where situations quite similar to those causing such problems to the Catholic Church were reported nationwide in the public school system. Two wrongs don't make one right, I readily admit, but could the propensity of the US way of doing things by awarding insane amounts in civil suits to those going after defendants with deep pockets be overcompensating some claimants and leaving others in the lurch? Seems strange to me that some think nothing of bankrupting the Church but bend over backwards to protect the billions of dollars ill gotten by the tobacco companies and reinvested in food companies as a way of protecting this loot. Well back to more important things. |
Hard answer to find, and it is mostly personal for most. I am willing to share mine. I used to have 15K speakers, 3K preamp, 5K amplifier and so on....total cost of system around 25K. I downgraded with a smile, although I do admit that the smile came in after only 2 to 3 months as part of a ''reality check'' phase. I will not get into how I came to realize that I did want to get off, that's a whole other topic. Let's just assume that you do want off, but want to make it a painless as possible right? Here's My formula.
1. Get gear that LOOKS great.
There are many ways to get cheaper gear, and a lot of cheaper gear do sound pretty good. But I feel better if the gear happens to be great looking, so you can still be proud to diplay it (All audiophiles, while many won't admit it, love to diplay their gear). But the real reason is, it should look good to YOU. For my part, I went from a mega-buck Sonic Frontiers preamp and amp to an Audiomat Arpege integrated, arguably one of the sexiest looking unit regardless of price.
2. Get gear that sound good,but not at the top echelon of excellence.
This is hard because we have a habit of comparing, after owning expensive equipement that spoiled us. So....we must STOP ANALYZING AND STOP COMPARING TO THE PREVIOUS set-up, and think of the artist playing.
3. Listen to some cd's or LP's of the pre-audiophile days.
If you totally tripped on The Beatles's SGT Pepper album, or Billy Joel's The Stranger, or Pachelbel's Canon, or Vivaldi's...whatever, it should bring back great memories of when music was more important than the equipment it was played on (and especially what you were doing or where you were at that time). It did work for me! My first high school date was partly spent listening to ''The Best of Bread'' on a Pioneer SX-525 receiver, a dual turntable and some cheap housebrand, no-name generic speakers (wow, did it sound GOOD! back then... ) - in my mind, I have never encoutered a high-end system that could replay these songs as well as this system did that evening!! Joking aside, there is some truth to this...
Pursuing my downsizing, I went from magnificient 15K speakers to a pair of 2K Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home (going back to rule no.1 again, they LOOK great, and they sound good)Even my wife think they look beautifull - an easy feat with any Italian speaker really.
4. Take 10% of the expensive gear sold, and buy something sensible and practical - don't laugh - a new dishwasher or refrigirator will bring a tangible proof to your family that all is not bad in downsizing! A weekend getaway will also do wonders...
5. Lastly, get sensible but quality equipment for the rest of the system - Audioquest type 4 speaker cable (cheap but still ok),some discontinued Wireworld Equinox interconnects, DVD player than can do double duty (any of the flagship Sonys will do, the old 7000, 7700, and of course the superb 9000ES. (I'm selling mine as I am simplifying further to a dedicated, simple-box cd player.
And voilà, you have downgraded ''almost'' without pain and kept your dignity !! Of course, even a pair of Grand Pianos can be considered expensive and not really a downgrade for some. The important thing is, if downgrading is a path to follow, it's always possible to do so. Heck, you can always goo back to ''it'' in a few years if you want to. These are only toys after all...
Hope this made for an interesting read...Good Luck! |
I read that our brain gets used to a sound after awhile, so we can come to enjoy a sensible modest systems like the majority of Europians. Even an esoteric systems can fail to satisfy us at moments, coz we get used to the sound and it simply doesn't "wow" us any more.
So I decided to settle with a system that is:
A) About 70-150 watts per ch amp - discreet and wide current.
Old marantz 2270
Parasound HCA 1000
NAD
Inexpensive tube amp
B) Speakers without listener fatigue that is bit transparent and liquid
Niles audio
B*W
Paradigm
Speaker City
Mission
Tannoy
Athena
C) Soft souning CD player without that steely digitalness
Parasound 88
NAD
Denon DCM 370
D) Silver cables DIY
I have been around live music all my life, and I can enjoy the sound of mid-fi systems. Some of the Hifi components have gone beyond live sound, which is not a bad thing, but if you are looking to creating a pretty realistic sounding system to enjoy music, you can do it for 2k. Just look at all the Europians with an integrated amp and bookshelfs, and they tend to take music more seriously than we (americans) do.
Krell sounds great, but I can't help thinking where have I heard live sound that is that liquid, transparent, and powerful? HIfi has created a new art field in this exciting period we are living in, but music can be enjoyed for less, coz esoteric HIfi has gone beyond live sound. I just wish the CD industry comes up with a durable CD player that matches LP sound - Still less texture in digital. Anyone in the industry, please keep pushing the envelop higher for faster processing of more info. - computer CPU has been getting faster - We can take advantage of this.
Really expensive Cd player doesn't make sense to me at this point, coz LP is still better.
So, to get off your upgrade bug, think about all the musicians who are happy with mid-fi - They say it is realistic enough to be enjoyed. Think about all the Europians with modest systems, and they take art appreciation seriously!
From the files of pop psychology, the actions that are rewarded are repeated almost unconsciously. When we buy a new component, it usually looks and sounds better, and we are rewarded, hence our habit of upgrade is reinforced. Manufacturers tempt us with beutiful looking pieces as if to say you can buy class and gentlemanship here.
So, while I am against constant bank breaking upgrades,
economical tweaks are always fun and educational. One of the benefits of dedication to a hobby is that we learn incredible amount with child like ease... and it's good for our brain, and keeps us young at heart.
You are right, we should get off this constant bank breaking upgrade bug - it will make our loved ones happy... and simply enjoy the music |
The problem is, those musicians and Europeans you speak of don't have the disease we have. If we could be content--truly content--with mid-fi systems, I think many of us would be happy to do so. |
How does one get off the merry-go-round? Find the system you love, that is, it gets you going, digging the music, it gets you wanting to get into more kinds of music, but whatever tradeoffs it has you can live with 'cause nothing is perfect. The merry-go-round can go on and on, and mine did, but pay attention to what you like and don't like and the lessons you learned. Be aware of these things and keep them in mind. Someday, you'll get there. THEN, you voluntarily get off the merry-go-round and be happy. Things just settle into place and it synergizes. Once you reach this point, don't second guess yourself. Keep in mind all you went through and realize there is no grail. You're already at the end of the rainbow. Now enjoy it for all it's worth.
But, FWIW, there IS a lot to learn and many different design philosophies. Enjoy the quest if you can and have fun. Don't give up too early if you simply don't like it. That final system doesn't have to be expensive either. There is lots of value out there to be found that will give you great sound. |
Buy upgrades only when you can distinguish the new from the old by means of objective, double-blind testing....
(Cutting and running) |
Budrew,
Enlighten us with your great-sound-on-for-not-so-much systems - many want to know. |
The merry-go-round is exactly what an audiophile needs to finally come to the conclusion, you need off. As an audiophile I would of never rested or been satisfied without trying different products. In my search I have at times wound up with an inferior system, only to go back to some of the pieces I used to own. It is tough to find that magical synergy match between different brands of components but not impossible. The wealth of information I now posess from the merry-go-round has made it much easier for me now to choose the correct components and be much happier. |
Do you get more excited about a new CD/LP or component? If the components are more interesting than the music it is hard to get off the upgrade wagon. I was looking through the Music Direct Catalog which sells everything from Creek to exotic stuff. They also sell audiofile quality music and classic music by the Byrds for example. It occurred to me that you can either stay with the same music and try to get it to sound better with better components. Or you can get new music. So is the emphasis on sound quality or the music? I get a bigger thrill with new music that any new component I can buy. Although this will probably change in 5-10 years as technology improves.
Naturally you want to get the best sound/value for the money spent but unless you can define a point of diminishing returns where further improvements are not worth the money, you'll never get beyond the equipment.
It has been said that you can get 75% of the best available sound quality for $1,000; and 95% for $5,000. To get the last 5% you could spend another $20,000 or more. It can be hard to stop or realize you're at the end of meaningful upgrades and end up spending more and more money on smaller and smaller improvements. But is this really worthwhile? If you're in this situation, DIY can be a good cure for idle hands and mind. Maybe a second system for the office or garage. It can be more satisfying than one you just go out and buy.
It has been said the best CDP made and which cost $10,000 in 1990 can be bettered today with a good quality (maybe Toshiba or Sony) CDP for $200.00. So just wait a couple of years and get better sound and for less money. Especially when you're pushing the limits of today's technology. I think this has been the case of lower cost integrated amps by YBA, Audio Refinement, Creek, and Musical Fidelity. Reviewers have said even a few years ago you would have to go with separates to get such good sound quality. Tommorrow's technology will be both better and cheaper so why not what a little bit?
I discovered I would rather listen to good music on a well set up $700.00 system than audiophile quality recordings of music I don't really like on a $30,000 system. Fortunately living in a prosperous country like the U.S., I can have both good music and a nice stereo but it helps to put things in perspective. |
I really like the sound of my gear so I haven't bought any equipment for many years. I am thinking of buying A Dac though, since I like using my 100cd changer but realize it isn't the best cdp. I am waiting for the prices to go down.
I always get excited about a great new recording, I'm in this for the music. Some like fiddling with gear, nothing wrong with that. I don't know about your figures for best available sound at $1000 or $5000, or whatever. I think it's kind of hard to say anything is 75% of the best sound or 90%, whatever. What is "best" sound?
To me if it sounds really good then your getting close. Of course, you have to have some idea what "really good" sounds like. I listened to a lot of different gear before I bought mine. You also have to go to places that carry some of the "best". Doubtful you would find that at Best Buy or Target. Some people (Hell, most) don't realize there are other places to buy audio gear.
I agree you can get wonderful equipment for $5 - 10K. For most people that's enough. I also know if money was no object I'd probably have solid Gold volume knobs on my pre-amp, and naked dancing girls playing harps in my living room. If I spent $100k would it be 10 times better? NO. But, it would be better (probably).
How many thousands your willing to pay for small improvements is probably dependent on your wallet. Where the sickness comes in is if your spending crazy sums that you don't have for something that you really don't need. |
Give all your money to charity so you won't have any to spend on tweaks, upgrades, or anything else. Then you'll just have to be happy with what you have. |
Buy a Tivoli model 2 with a subwoofer for 240 dollars and forget about anything else. |
I would imagine everyone gets off the merry-go-round eventually. Whatever the impetus, whether it is money, interest or time that runs out, the audio hobby equivalent of juggling ends at some point. There can be many reasons for the end of the road, but for me it came down to other priorities in my life demanding greater attention. Pulling away from the excessive/compulsive mindset this hobby can create enabled me to see what I had lost sight of.
Getting off the merry-go-round is facilitated by accepting whatever system compromises you perceive. Also, allowing yourself to enjoy what you have - not what you think you need.
I think this thread is a good one. If I am correct, responses here can continue indefinitely, as each hobbyist finds themselves getting off the merry-go-round and posting their reasons why. |
As a semi-pro bassplayer (my gig money buys my toys) I kept
upgrading and buying bass equipment until last year, when I
decided 8 basses was more than I needed, and figured I might buy me a Gibson Les Paul and branch out a little into guitar. I'd been an avid member of the Fender Forum, which is Audiogon's instrument counterpart, sort of. Then it hit me: I had a good electric guitar already, which
I never play, so why spend more money on instruments. That's when I thought of upgrading my ho-hum but ok stereo.
Luckily I discovered Audiogon and thanks to a lot of experienced and helpful members, I got me a very nice NAD,
Rega, B&W system for about $5000. This includes good wires and stands, but I wasn't willing to get into the electric re-wiring arena. The six months it took me to find new/used
gear at good prices was exciting, but now I don't have an
urge to buy any more. I just enjoy the music. |
I have read only the most recent few posts to this thread, but the whole idea of down sizing seems like a good idea: fewer chassis, fewer power cords and IC's, smaller rack, etc. It's nice to see that many others are thinking along the same lines.
So that I won't feel like I am giving up much in the process, I will probably seek out a system that tends to focus the listener on musical content rather than technical realism. If that "musical meaning" thing is covered, I will probably be less likely to worry about transparency, imaging, frequency extension, etc. Hopefully, I will net some left-over cash, too.
Larger, more expensive systems don't always sounder better--or give their owners the added enjoyment commensurate with their elevated prices, other than maybe gragging rights. I'd like to try the "less is more" theory and see what happens.
Great thread. |
|
With highly efficient 8 ohm speakers, I think a great sounding system is possible with integrated gear. I have 4 ohm inefficient Maggies though, and that choice strongly influences all the rest. I tried driving them with my Denon 3803, which is only rated down to 6 ohms (170 watts/ch @ 0.7 % THD). It sounded clean enough, but compressed and flat. Piano never pleased me on this system. I don't know of an integrated A/V receiver capable of providing a suberb sound with these speakers. So, I ended up getting separate amps for the mains (Adcom 5802) and center (Outlaw M200). Now the system sings to my complete satisfaction and I planned no further updates. Since my DVD plays DVD-A, however, I decided to try out the new surround music format. Surprise, next I had to buy an ICBM to manage the bass and a bunch of interconnects. Don't know where it's going to end. I'm happy now, but my system is embarrassingly complex and rational non-audio people look at me funny when they see it. I don't see how to make it simpler and sound as good. |
For those of you who say you get more excited about music, I would recommend internet sights like www.listen.com or www.napster.com
It's a payed sight ($25 for 3 months), but you can sample all you like - that should get you excited!
You can discover new music - even cross genres. |
I'm only on the virtual merryground. Because:
1) Haven't found an improvement that is better in most ways over what I have now. There are some improvements but some drawbacks too.
2) Even if I upgrade, I still won't be satisfied and will want to upgrade more so what's they point? |
Get an Ipod Mini and Shure E3's : - )))
Art |
Some members have suggested there needs to be a psychiatrist on Audiogon available for some audiophiles. This hobby can get insane! I say " Why suffer with insanity--Enjoy it! |
I went to a dedicated headphone system to cut costs. For about 1/10 the cost of my conventional system, the system suits me:
EVS modified Panasonic S47 DVD player
Meier Audio PreHead preamplifier
Etymotic Logic ER-4S earphones
Virtual Mode Clear Power 1 and 2 conditioners
Signal Cable PCs
Joe-Zen ICs
I have, however, disconnected and stored away this gear. After not having listened to it for months, I have gradually conditioned myself not to miss it. The hardest thing for me is selling good gear at an appreciable loss. That is what keeps gear around; and when gear is around, I start listening to it, then I get compulsive about upgrading.
Right now I have a ($250) PIMETA Home headamp, a set of ($20) SONY MX-500 earphones, a ($39) Signal Cable "Analogue Mini-" adaptor and some ($30) RA Design isolation cones that I listen to at work. I listen less critically at work, so this relatively modest set-up is more than adequate from 9-to-5. The key for me is to have no at-home set-up, and to do something else with my time. Right now I am signed up for correspondence graduate courses in Theology, which take up my free time at home in the evening. I'm getting a lot more out of my time this way.
Of course, I must mention that, after having admitted that I have a compulsive buying disorder when it comes to audio equipment, and feeling the distress of that kind of helplessness, I prayed quite a bit for a way out. It has taken time--about two years--to get to where I am today, but I am not as restless and consumed as before with the endless quest for more and better. Granted, I have to avoid temptations--kind of like the alcoholic refaining from the first drink, but not having the system up and running, and having a worthwhile diversion (for me, studying) helps.
If you are really serious about kicking the habit, you have to get ready to deal with the acute pain of loss and resulting feelings of self-diminuation before you see a turnaround of any lasting value.
|
There is no escape, it's like the Mafia, you can't quit. You can settle down for 6-12 months (in remission) but it always comes back :-) |
"Just when I think I'm out, they keep pulling me back in." |
Getting hung up on detail, not music will keep one constantly wanting to upgrade to improve "sound" but will this improve the "music"?
Is detail musically important? How much detail is necessary? Can overemphasis on detail draw attention away from other important problems like driver integration, even frequency balance, or ear fatigue?
When auditioning I'm in "analytical mode" and judge a stereo on analytical sound. But then I get home and want to listen for enjoyment of music which may or may not be related to the analytical reasons I got the stereo.
Also I think justifying the sound on a price basis is a road to dissatisfaction. Like saying "For $8,000 this better blow me and all my friends away". It probably won't or won't for long. Then its on to the next "fix". I think spending the money should not be a bargaining point for sound quality. Spend what you feel comfortable with, not trying to justify anything.
I have also found that when my stereo sounds good and I want to make it better, I have a 50/50 chance. That is, I have as much chance of making the sound worse as making it better. |
One December several years ago, I found myself with four or five of every type of component: amp, speakers, cables, preamp. Ok, just two turntables. No room for ME in my house! So I made a rule: I am not allowed to own more than two of two component categories. So if I have two amps and two pairs of speakers and I want to try a new pair of speaker cables, well, one of my other redundant components has to go.
It worked to a great extent. I can still suffer too much churn (buying a new cd player too often, for example, and yes selling the old one first), but this has not been much of a problem. Buying is easier psychologically than selling, as you probably have noticed.
My rule has made a HUGE difference, without eliminating the fun of the hobby.
Art |
Art, That's a darn good idea. I may try that.. |
Well, here I am back for once, not for the hobby, but for the people and friends I shared this hobby with for quite a number of years. Yes I dropped out, partly because of outer circumstances, but more importantly because I became more and more convinced, that my fascination with equipment overrode my love for music, which I initially thought this, my quest was all about. As time went on, I was forced to realise, that my mind got more and more entrapped by the gear and less by the message the music might have to convey. This was not merely bad, because through this, I became more aware of that musical message, which managed to get through the audiophile smog, which made me forget my system and brought me back to the beginning of what my quest had been all about. The lesson learnt was an old one and is obvious and to those, who really read these few lines, I do not need to repeat it here. I am now back with the music and the means of reproduction do not matter, because the message, if it is valid, the mind, if it is receptive, will not even be aware of the medium, as poor as it may be.
Cheers to my old friends here, I miss you, the gear abandoned strangely not.....
Detlof |
Detlof, my gosh I haven't seen you here in ages. Welcome back!
Time to hop on and start spending again! |
Hallo Detlof, how GOOD to see you back!!! I am .. back with the music and the means of reproduction do not matter, because the message, if it is valid, the mind, if it is receptive, will not even be aware of the medium, as poor as it may be Indeed, this is Detlof! Welcome back! |
Please stick around, even if you have no interest in the gear. |
Heck, I'm touched,almost to tears...your kind words warm my heart. I truly miss your great minds and souls. I'll be back from time to time. I'm not always online, you see, going through places, where the internet cannot be reached.
I'm travelling, sold all my gear and bought myself an expedition vehicle....on another quest, counting my years, it will be the last one of my life...
Let the music always touch your souls. Signing off for now,
Detlof |
Excellent words from Detlof. Admiration for an audiophile that has truely removed himself from the "merry-go-round" and has rediscovered his music, well done! We can all feel good to know that this is possible. For those members who have accomplished this same feat, the forums are still here for you to stay connected to your fellow audiophiles & friends. |
Detlof, I hope that you are saying the expedition vehicle will be the last vehicle of your life. There is another way to read your last post that is, um, not so pleasant. |
As a counselor I just want to add one more thing. There are some audiophiles that have an intense addiction to this hobby as an alchoholic would have to a drink. One of the obvious solutions to this problem is to avoid a drink as well as other alchoholics or in this case avoid anything to do with this hobby including the discussion, buying/selling of audio gear, & other audiophiles which in some rare cases is necessary. For those of us that are not as compulsive, this is an enjoyable hobby sharing the same common denominator, the love of music. I have tried many different components all giving me a thrill but never had too much problem selling and thus, no big loss. Audiogon is meant to be a media in which audiophiles can stay connected as well as means to buy & sell. This works for most of us but there are some that have it bad. I would like to say that I love all audiophiles who are interested in this hobby but keep it real. |
I came to a conclusion that since different music sound better on different speakers, we need a few sets. We can get Niles speaker selector and switch from one to another as music demands - we will our enjoy listening more of the times, and not get that upgrade itch as easily.
For instance, voice sounds better on speakers with low Q values - the spring in the woofer loaded softely - not too tightly. This gives a richer sound. Especially true for classical singers - when they sing loudly and make a sudden crescendo, it still keeps sound soft so as not to bother you - as with speakers with high Q value - hard spring loaded. This is especially true if you listen at high volume - on low enough volume, you might be able to get by without pronounced distraction.
High Q-value woofers do certain acoustic instruments well - like piano, guitar, and other string instruments, because they sound more realistic. The springy feeling one gets from the live performance is captured. However, not too many have a refined sound. Old JBL 4312 for instance have alnico woofers with high q-value, but still sounds refied - unlike many of the todays speakers with high Q-values. I like them even better than B&W top of the line series. Old Tannoys with tweeters built in at the center also sounds refined (even better than the JBL). I am talking about the Tannoy gold and not their newer plastic woofers.
If you have both, than you can switch from one to another, and get the best of the both worlds, as music dictates. But keep in mined, that no matter how much you spend on your system, it can never be completly like a live performance! Don't try to follow that dream - your bank account will thank you, and your loved ones.
However, if you have many sets of speakers at your listening pleasure, you will be satisfied more of the times, and hopefully this will solve the ever upgrade bug.
Hope you find your sonic nirvanah... |
Gonglee3, I think you're onto something good here with your different speakers idea.
If you take it a step further, why not just build three different systems in different rooms designed for different types of music. Ahh, wouldn't that be nice? You could even decorate them differently. Heheh. |
