Okay, I know that I'm likely to suffer some slings and arrows posting this, but fire away (don't get too personal, please) because I believe this is important. I admit that I don't have the most whiz bang audio system by a long shot (It's trailing edge) but the totality of the enjoyment is huge. I recently purchased here on Audiogon a used active system and must say that everything is more musical. It's hard to describe but I'll try. First, all but the worst recordings are enjoyable in the ways we are all looking for; three dimensional sound stage....wide, tall and deep. Second, harshness (digital and poor vinyl) and background noise (vinyl) is reduced by a huge degree. Third, music simply washes over you. Fourth, the feeling is that it is effortless. Fifth, as a result of the other benefits you will play and enjoy music that you love but can't stand to listen to. Put another way, most, if not all, of the annoying characteristics of a not-so-stellar recording are dimenished more than I can describe.
Assuming that most of the fine folks here are somewhat open minded I suggest the following: Grab three examples of each vinyl and CD. You should have you best, so-so and worst case of each format. Find an active system to audition your software. Then report back in the forums what you experienced.
My guess is that many of you will be listening to waaaay lesser systems than you own and I ask that you only compare the active vs. standard crossover in the same system used in auditioning. Somehow, reference mentally the differences if applied to your own equipment.
I have become quite satisfied with digital sources even on what most would consider a rather mediocre playback device. This concept has become quite an equalizer in my own system, and this is coming from a vinyl guy.
I may as well confess to owning an all Linn system. I know that there are "better" turntables, "superior" solid state and "finer" speakers than what I own. I only know that now when I try to be a critical listener I can't focus on that for long but find myself listening to the music instead.
Sorry if I sound like I've gotten religion here. It's that big an improvement, though.
Happy listening,
Patrick
