2. misc-audio
  3. 194004-89202

No preamp in system

 

I want to point out how the perception of our equipment changes over time. I’m getting so use to the sound of my system without a preamp (which is out for repair) to the point that I’m accepting it as good sound.  It reveals something about our hobby.  When we get new equipment we often say “let it break in.”  And lo and behold, it sounds much better over time.  Is it that were really fooling ourselves, and that it’s simply a matter of us getting use to it?

Just food for thought.

rvpiano

Showing 1 response by mashif

mashif
367 posts
 

I agree with @ghdprentice that live music should be your benchmark. Acoustic instruments and voices are the touchstone. I don't really compare components to each other but rather listen for how "real" it sounds in my system. A lot of gear can sound impressive but over time seem artificial in some way. 

When I make changes I use music with singers I've heard live. I have an enduring sense of how their voice expressed emotion and I listen for that. 

I do experience getting "used to" a certain sound and liking it, but that's because it corresponds to my expectations for sounding real. If it doesn't sound that way, I don't get used to it, I get annoyed by it. 

 

More to discover