I want to be moved and have the music touch my soul!
Hello all. To start here's my system: Harbeth Compact 7es-3 speakers with DIY 10" subs. JL Audio CR-1 crossover. Rotel RB 981 power amp for the subs. Ayre KX5mp pre amp. SMC Audio DNA1 Gold power amp. Cardas reference neutral interconnects. Kimber 8Tc speaker cables. Oppo BD105 player.
The system sounds great but it does not move me. I want the music to touch touch my soul. I have been through many different speakers in the past 4 years but I like the Harbeths the most. I feel bored when I'm listening. I'm not sure what to do other than spend more money. Any help? Thanks in advance. Ben
In the last 4 years I have tried over a dozen nice speakers. I liked the Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 the most I think. I sold them because my audiophile cousin said they sounded like crap.
i mean this sincerely with with no malice. After everything you’ve said and then added that you sold the speaker you liked most because your “audiophile cousin said they sounded like crap,” I can honestly come to only two alternative conclusions: (i) the help you need is not related to any audio equipment: or (ii) you’re a troll - and you do not seem to be the latter.
Have you tried electrostatics? They might not be your thing, but they definitely provide something you don't get with conventional speakers. Good luck!
changing most anything in your rig should demonstrate some new or different vistas on the presentation.
some changes are bigger than are others.
when was the last time you drove your speakers with tubes?
ever run a tube line stage preamp on the same level as your ayre? or use one much above it?
then, when did you insert a tube amp to push those Harbeths?
either adding a tube pre or adding a tube amp or amps, or adding both pre and power amp using tubes could be just what you are missing, or wanting.
try an amp that runs EL 34s in triode, and or ultra linear config.
tubes are a whole new perspective on the exact same types of music you already dig.
for the most impact either change the power train or parts of it, or change the speakers.
usualy speakers will have the greatest impact on a sound system. .
BTW…. don’t listen to any self proclaimed audiophile who tells you something you like the sound of is actualy sounding terrible.
audiophiles are just a bunch of know it alls that seldom know it all.
its your ears. and its your money.
maybe go back and get those Gallos.
I will have to say on that Gallo note, I’ve not been too impressed, I’d opt for stepping up within the Harbeth line up provided you dig their sound already but want more resolution and detail.
… but if those Gallos were great IYO, by all means get them or their next higher siblings.
the target in this pastime as i understand it is to be hapy with whatever you asemble as your ref system.
it ain’t about the bling. or the things. though for some it is indeed.
IMO, its about being satisfied and enjoying the outfit. looking forward to firing it up. finding new tunes. letting the audio affect you accordingly.
then too, you could simply change out a power cord or two.
everything matters… except audiophile feedback that says your stuff sucks. what do they know?
Vinyl, tube components, SET, high quality power conditioning - you will get soul...and music you like, not audiophile recordings...though some are very good
This thread is like being in a cave with insane audiophiles shouting at each other!! If you have to play only “Great” recordings, then your sunk. A system should deliver the energy, vibrancy and dynamic swing of the music to excite your soul like a live concert. Most audiophiles sit quietly before their systems in a semi comatose state of delusion listening for minutia, obsessing over their gear. It’s all so contrary to actual music being played...music gets loud, dynamic and fills the room with energy. Get speakers that can do that first, then pick your gear accordingly. Listening to music like a lab technician is nuts. If you also use it like elevator music, get Bose and be done.
@Honashagen, Have you listened to your audiophile cousins system, and how does his system sound to you? Is it moving your soul? Does it sound better than your system or how does it sound compared to your system? I'd also have to ask if you have recently been to any high end audio stores, and how did those systems sound to you?
Let's see if I get this straight. You were happy with the sound of your Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 speakers, then gave them up based upon what your cousin said?
Here's my advice... purchase another pair of the Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 speakers and then keep your cousin away from your system.
It doesn't matter what other's think. It matters what satisfies you musically.
In the past his system has blown me away but not the last time I heard it which was about 3 weeks ago. It was good but not OMG good. I need to hear a $100K or higher system I guess. No good audio stores around here any more. I'm trying to figure out what I'm missing. It's like when you are listening to your system and maybe reading a magazine and not paying close attention to the music and something comes on makes you look up and say wow!
@OP, I’m in Chicago suburbs. You’re welcome to come by to listen to some of your music or mine on my system. I’m not suggesting my system is for you or great for everyone. But the number of brick and mortar dealers has dwindled and its hard to hear systems put together for synergy’s sake.
I have two different setups—SS and tube. I also have it setup to do hybrid-tube pre with solid state amp. I have a tube and regular DAC. I also have a SET 300b amp. Many probably have more than I but I have a good options to suit my changing moods.
Some days i want a burger. Some days I want fish. Other days vegetarian. And it’s no different in hifi for me.
At least two people have responded that they can help the OP in ways no one else can but only outside of the Audiogon environment. @dave_b even suggests that none of the advice the OP has gotten here is honest or practical and that he can solve the OP's problem....but only privately.
One wonders why such special knowledge and application can't be shared in the forum?
But, unless dave_b is a psychologist or psychiatrist I don't think his advice is going to help either.
The OP has already said he has heard two systems that have met his criteria for soul touching and he got rid of one of them based on someone else's advice and is no longer 'touched' by the other one.
Its always possible one does not like music as much as they think they do. More interested in the gear? Other things? Too many distractions perhaps? You never know.
Maybe I'm still not conveying what I think I'm looking for. I always hear reviewers talk about being "drawn into the music." I have seen my cousin cry when listening to certain classical music. I rarely get goose bumps when I'm listening but it does happen. Maybe I've never truly experienced a deep connection to the music. Could it be I'm always listening as a recording engineer! Does the snare sound perfect? Is the vocal right? Can you hear the room? Does the recording make the speakers disappear? Is there too much high end? Not enough low end? Crap! How do I change after all these years? Even when I'm out at a live venue I'm critical of the sound. Am I screwed? Is there such a thing as an audiophile shrink?
Not as sick as I friend:). That’s why I re-evaluated my priorities in listening. I also would overthink everything...Gahhh:(). Getting a truly Dynamic speaker with low distortion and zero compression at high volumes was my solution and my only regret is not doing it sooner so I wouldn’t have spent all that money!!! They also sound great at low volume. Tone is more realistic and they have no discernible colorations that I can hear.
Could it be I’m always listening as a recording engineer!
Maybe you’ve hit the point. I have a friend who plays the guitar. He’s great at it and has his own band. He studied guitar and music film editing at Berkely school of music. He spent time as a music film editor. He told me that it took many years before he could enjoy a film without constantly criticizing the editing. I have another friend who has spent a lot of time in the recording booth. He has a tendency to listen to the recording before enjoying the music. If there is the slightest thing off in the recording, he doesn’t want to listen to it, no matter how good the music or performer is. Its sort of a curse in a way.
But not for long and that is not what makes me turn it on every day.
If that was the point of this hobby for me and I could never be satisfied with what I heard then I would get a new hobby.
There is nothing wrong with that being the point of listening as long as its what makes you happy. If it doesn't make you happy AND makes you poor then that's just nuts.
You can take a nice trip to Italy on what most of us have tied up in speakers. Some of us could spend a month there.
JBL 4312G...$2500 msrp from Music Direct with 60 day trial!! Ask for Rodger, mention my name Dave B from West Chester, Pa and you should be able to get a decent discount. I got $600 off my 4429’s:)
@honashagen - I'm a bit confused. A couple of posts ago you state you hear reviewers talk about "being drawn into the music" in explaining what you want in a system, correct. Yet, in a post you wrote last Sept.29 you state..."I just got the MP upgrade and holy crap! More air and heft! I'm now drawn into the music. It takes you into the music...!" So, what happened in the last 5 months that 'undrew' you??
Well I had the Revel 208 then. Hmmm. I switched the Revels and Harbeths back and forth many times before I sold the Revels. Harbeths always sounded more real to me. I listen critically about 25 hours per week. Too much maybe?
That is not meant to be derogatory. But based on everything said by the OP so far there does not seem to be a tangible equipment issue nor is there any lack of moving, well recorded well played music out there.
So if the problem is not external it must be internal.
Let me get this straight. You had speakers you liked but got rid of them because your cousin didn't like them. You previously had a set of speakers (Revels) that "drew you into the music" but you got rid of them for Harbeths. Now you want advice as to what will "draw you into the music"??! Are you serious or are you just getting your chuckles out of wasting the time of good folks who genuinely want to help? This is ridiculous, I'm out.
I have just one word for you. Tweaks. Without tweaks something terrible happens. Nothing. Without tweaks CDs usually sound thin, two dimensional, closed in, thuddy, synthetic, bland, and like paper mache. Even on an Oppo.
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