Inconsistency in System


I am experiencing a rather large degree of inconsistency in the quality of the sound from my system day to day or even within the day at different times. At times rich, warm, inviting....other times veiled, harsh and way bright. My hunch is this is power related but am not sure. Does anyone have a suggestion on what might be causing this variability and if so, what I might do to correct problem?

System Components
Wadia 3200 Transport
Musical Fidelity TriVista21 DAC
Audio Research SP16 MK II Preamp
Musical Fidelity A308 Amp
Magnepann 3.6R speakers
Transparent Ultra interconnects
Transparent Music Wave Super Speaker Cables
path7man

Showing 1 response by slappy

The problem is either AC of Psychological guy.

The power might be a problem depending on how many peoplee in yer neighborhood are on the same grid, using how much power, etc, but that is kind of grasping for straws

I say the issue is psychological.
any time you get into a routine your brain will eventually wire itself for maximum ability. When you go to work you brain preps itself to be more involved in thinking, which gives you an edge at work.

At night when you go to bed your brain knows it is about bed-time and starts getting ready for sleep

With this chain of logic it is easy to say that if there are times where you unwind and relax, your brain will be more perceptive to the relaxation events and might be more open for musical pleasure.

I know if i am listening to my system on a day off when i normally would be working, it is not nearly as enjoyable as it is later at night when i will normally listen to music. Same goes with the morning, in fact, it seems like there is not only a physical sweet-spot in the room, but a psychological sweet spot where you are more open to the enjoyments of music.

Normally between 11pm to 1am is my psychological "sweet spot, cause my brain expects to be enjoying music and sets itself up to get the most enjoyment possible.

One easy way to back up this theory, is achohol and how your brain handles it. Normally i drink at night. When i do, i can drink quite a bit without getting plastered. My brain knows the achoholic onslaught is going to be happening and prepares itself to handle this.
Now, if during a day off, and i go and get a few beers around 1pm, i can drink 2 beers and feel like i chucgged a 6pack.

I think one of the most important tweaks you can do in your system is to schedule yourself a "listening time" and keep it around the same time on the same days. Eventually, you will find that listening during your "Listening period", you rig will sound very involving and very sweet.
It is the best tweak you can do for yourself, cause your brain is the most important part of the system. And the best part, is it is free! :)