Last night the Music took over….

Those beautiful, wonderful times of deep listening pleasure are often, but not often enough.  Everything comes together on those wonderful occasions, the electricity, the choice of music, the quality of the recording, and maybe most importantly, the mood.  It's not only the system, but also all of the above.  These are experiences that are cherished.  I look forward to many more of them.  

“Your system is the best system you’ve ever heard until you hear something better".
@devinplombier 

No argument there but having heard so many different system and seeing how my own system has evolved over the years I would say this; my current system is the best I’ve ever heard. Are there better systems out there, absolutely but does that make system any less magical in the moment?

It’s amazing how a single shift in perspective can release us from the endless loop of “what if” and open the door to just being present with the music. Believe me, when I say this, contentment and curiosity not only can coexist, it can wonderfully liberating. Those fleeting moments of pure, unfiltered connection with the music… they’re why we started this journey in the first place. And when they come, it’s a gift, not something to second-guess or measure against different gear.

That happened to me the other day with an unexpected album: Tea fro the Tillerman, Cat Stevens; BluRay edition on a recently re-tubed (broken in) integrated amp.

A friend dropped by the other afternoon for a music session and we (uncharacteristically) chose that album.

We'd both heard it hundreds of times, but in this case the new remastered version was mesmerizing....instruments I'd never noticed before floated out of the speakers and the music shone like diamonds.  I'd never been a major fan of "Longer Boats" but in this case we had to go back and listen a second time.

This conversation topic comes up occasionally, in various configurations, and I realize today how many things have to align for a "perfect" musical interlude...and I'm definitely including live performances.

Not only does a system have to be well balanced, but me as a listener has to be rested and receptive to the experience (not distracted by life, etc.). The barriers to full enjoyment at a live performance get even more complicated because of the numerous factors that can go wrong: the artist not inspired, bad seats, bad sound, disagreeable audience members, etc.

When all is perfectly aligned we should revel in the experience and be grateful!

After all, we "might die tonight!"

Thanks for your reasoned response @lalitk .

I had several moments throughout my system building. I have to say, after all is said and done, room acoustics is the most important factor in getting great sound. It’s just not as sexy as buying a new component. I was 15/20 years in, before trying acoustic treatments. I still remember thinking I wish I would have started out this way....could have saved time and money. 

I’ve been building my system in the same space for 30 years. One becomes very intimate with their system in this scenario.

I spent years of my early audiophile life with a VPI Jr. The ultimate DIY tt for a long while, which fulfilled my needs for understanding how differing materials and designs affect SQ. I went through all VPI upgrades to Mk IV status, even had a SuperPlatter on it. Also different belts IE: round, flat, bead cord etc depending the pulley I was using at the time. Also separating the motor from the base, various isolation platforms, wall mounts, cone material types, springs, tt power supplies, etc....This ultimately led me to compare various platter mats, weights, clamps. This long interest in reducing resonances by way of different materials/designs, intrigued me. So, this was my start. 

Had an ET 2.5 on said tt for 20 years. I made a continuous wire loom for it with the same Cardas wire as factory, that removed one connection point. The difference was substantial and went into my memory banks.

One of my first cable epiphanies was trying a PAD (Purist Audio Designs) Elementa phono. It opened my then system up in a good way. I’m not a cable denier. Have since had many different designs in and out of my system.

My first phono cartridge moment was trying a Denon DL-110 on my then Pioneer DD tt. Woah....mind expanding at the time. Bought it from Japanese Stereo at half retail price. Some here may remember that store/outlet in California around the late 80s/early 90s.

Around this same time, I bought my first MFSL lp. Led Zeppelin II. ($!2.99 from MOFI)  Another epiphany.....thus another never-ending quest for great recordings/pressings was born.

When I started fooling with speaker placement, realized how so important that is. Another major step for me then, that is now so obvious. I use dual subs in my small room and found that their proper placement is so important.

Decoupling all equipment where possible (especially tt) was a huge benefit. 

I have dirty power at my house. The best conditioner I’ve owned are the Puritan PSM156 (2). Improved pretty dramatically over the passive 2nd generation Shunyata designs.

System synergy is key, I’ve own several amps that I use with my Usher Mini 2 Diamonds and while they all sound great, I purchased a pair Merrill Audio Veritas Monos last year and they are my new reference amps.  More resolving and have great control. After experimenting with footers, went with HRS. Wouldn’t think they would make much difference under a solid billet aluminum chassis but they did. Finding the right cables made these amps/Ushers shine. 

My Herron VTSP ESP REF and Audia Flight FL Phono are probably my endgame pieces in their respective duties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First full day of having my tube amps back in service. It's like sinking into a hot bath after a long day -  so nice! Playlist included:

Fleetwood Mac - Chalk Farm Blues Vol.1

Doobie Brothers - Takin' it to the Streets

The Who - Who's Next

Dick Hyman - From the Age of Swing

(and a couple of CDs just to show I'm not bigoted, Melissa McLelland - Thumbelina's One Night Stand and Doug MacLeod - A Little Sin)

I shall sleep well tonight.