It really is a golden age in terms of components. The best solid state, tube, analog, and digital continue to converge ever closer to believeability. But this has been the trend for a very long time. What makes this a golden age is a combination of two other trends that are really building steam. One is affordability, performance once nearly unattainable is now readily available and affordable. The other is the way this has combined with a much deeper understanding of audio has led to such a wide range of components that address things such as acoustics, isolation and power. Today it is truly impressive what can be achieved for only a few thousand dollars with a modern comprehensive system approach.
Ohio - Over the Rhine
I lived near the Pennsylvania/ Ohio state line when I was 16. It was a profoundly emotional time of my life… 1968. I grew up in Chicago and only spent a year and a half in a very backwards part of the country. I lived out West since I have was 18 years old.
When I first heard the tune Ohio, I just could not move. The emotional impact just overwhelming. Since then, many years ago… one of the most moving songs… to me… and albums.
So, I have a ripped version, the streamed version, and the CD version. I got wrapped up in listening to the album, at first, my stored file (see my systems), then streamed, then CD… I ordered the vinyl… this is interesting. They are virtually identical. But I did notice a very slight more forward presentation on the CD version… very slight, on my system… which is everything. But the emotional connection… the warmth and musicality is the same.
Systems can be like this now. Such a minuscule difference… but with the same deep emotional connection… a great time for audio.