I can enjoy good music on computer speakers or a cheap boombox, like a normal person, and I certainly don’t look down on anyone who finds that good enough. But for me there’s a whole other layer of immersion and enjoyment when I hear the same music on my system. My enjoyment of the music and of the sound just blends together. At this point I rarely *focus* on sound quality and what might be lacking (even though my system only cost me what some people here have spent on a single component). So I wouldn’t lump all of us audio nerds/nuts in the overly analytical or "never satisfied" group. Just sayin’. ;)
I found audio nirvana....
Being an audiophile is no longer sensible for me.
There was a time long ago…when former audiophiles (like almost everyone else in the world) could enjoy music on a pair of computer speakers. Audiophiles today would say that most people who listen to music on a less than ideal audio system could be served much better by a high-end system, however the average person would beg to differ….
I’ve found what I think is the best pair of computer speakers for simply enjoying the music. I have done some research on human attention span – we can only pay attention to 4-5 things at once. Sacrificing our attention at the alter of a high-end audio system and obsessing about how wonderful it sounds; along with over-analyzing the sound quality of sum of all parts is quite exhausting.
Enter the Logitech Z130. They look nice, clear midrange, somewhat recessed bass, slightly forward treble. And no real imaging or soundstage to speak of! They are so small! All you get is clarity in the midrange and treble, with a hint of bass like a side order of veggies. Speech, like vocals and instrumentals are intelligible enough to discern lyrics; except for those that are somewhat hidden in a track; and require a more resolving system. The Z130 give the impression that they are small speakers; except for when the volume is turned up a little more. Then they sound kind of like tiny bookshelf speakers.
I just bought these after our IT guy brought them to my office (for a Microsoft Teams call). I also tested with music on my phone and found myself singing along as the music plays! No longer do I criticize how the music sounds on the system. I am not listening to audio equipment anymore. I’m simply hearing my music and enjoying it. I am now doing what 95% plus of the population does with music…they consume it as a form of entertainment. They don’t care how close they get to the authentic performance; because they realize that such a task is taxing on the wallet, brain, and our overall sanity. Perhaps “perfection” in audio does not exist.
Crazy as this might sound – try the following experiment:
Convert your CD quality files to 320 kbps .mp3s using a high quality .mp3 convertor. If not, you can play audio files from a DAP, a smartphone, your computer etc. anything with a 3.5mm port.
Cue up your music after setting up the speakers. They should be close to ear level.
Play just 3 of your favorite songs. I’m almost certain that you will sing along or feel good after a listening session.
Don’t believe me?! Try it.
That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest. — Henry David Thoreau.
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It's refreshing and somewhat grounding to see that Nirvana, the cessation of suffering, has been attained. Of course, not all audiophiles suffer, and part of the fun of being an audiophile is being quasi-obsessed with achieving the hifi experience, but it is a good reminder, at least for me, that it's very subjective, and there is a freedom in letting it go and enjoying music regardless of the source. |
I agree with @edcyn . I can enjoy pop music in the car, but appreciating the subtleties of more complex music like jazz depends on good reproduction. I clearly recall that up until a little over a year ago, I loved listening to Stan Getz on my system and didn't think there was much to be desired in the way it was being reproduced. At that time, I had my DAC upgraded, and was amazed at the subtle but important shadings and details of phrasing that I had been missing that really contributed to my understanding of his playing. You can't get that from a Logitec. |
Right now I'm streaming a selection of Stravinsky's orchestral music via Idagio. Andrew Davis conducting the BBC Philharmonic from the Chandos label. Yeah, just CD quality but the sound is glorious. Sweet as the proverbial nut. Image is precise yet expansive.The performance is inspired. I'm probably averaging about 75dB at the most. Seventh heaven, thanks in large part to my well-sorted, moderately priced stereo gear. Don't tell me I'm deluding myself... Don't tell me I've wasted my money. |
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