Smooth treble


What is in fact a "smooth and refined treble"? Is that synonymous with treble roll off? Psycho acoustically an extreme smooth and refined treble can present itself like if there is less high frequency extension paradoxically. This is what one actually hears in the concert hall! In the concert hall one hears less "treble" than in the home (with your super high end rig). How can one get this smooth and refined high frequencies without severe treble roll off?
In my experience the older and more mature an audiophile gets, the more he/she wants a very natural sounding (overly refined) treble (not the bright, brilliant and super transparent treble many people want when they are making the transition from "mid fi" to "high end" audio) . Do you agree with this?

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 1 response by jmcgrogan2

In my experience the older and more mature an audiophile gets, the more he/she wants a very natural sounding (overly refined) treble (not the bright, brilliant and super transparent treble many people want when they are making the transition from "mid fi" to "high end" audio) . Do you agree with this?

Chris
Dazzdax

Yes, I agree 100% Chris. I feel that many younger, experimenting audiophiles choose the 'sizzle' over the 'steak'. Nothing wrong with that, been there, done that. I went through all of the "thunder bass, OMG, wow, did you hear that detail in the high's?" phase myself. Actually, I would go back there again if it would make me younger again....LOL!!

As I have grown older, now over 30 years into this hobby/dementia, I have gravitated to more natural sounding music and gear. More classical and acoustical jazz now as opposed to the rock n' roll of my youth. More tubes and vinyl these days, and speakers with 'natural' treble and bass as opposed to the honky-tonk master-blaster stuff of my youth...... as I grow older.
I wouldn't classify it as 'overly refined' treble though. Looking back, I would say that the younger gear is 'hyper-detailed' in comparison.

I have three sons, ages 24-17, and I do still reminiscence when I see/ hear them driving off with the bass a' thumping in their cars. Takes me back to my Lynard Skynard, Allman Brothers, Led Zepplin, and 'The Boss' days.......

Sure, I still 'let my hair down' now and again.....but it is not the same as the old days. As I sit and listen to some well played Mozart SACD on my 'natural' sounding rig....growing up (old?) ain't so bad either.

Cheers,
John