I cannot say that I believe that any system is "worth" $1,000,000.00, although I know that it is easily possible for a system to cost that much or more. At some point the law of diminishing returns kicks in, n'est pas?
So, I listened to a $1Million Dollar System
So, I listened to a $1Million dollar system.
A somewhat local dealer had an event that showcased the Dan D’Agostino Relentless Epic mono block amps, Relentless Preamplifier, Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX speakers and subsonic subwoofer. Along with the Transparent cabling, HRS stands, DCS Dac and other accessories I estimate the total cost to be over $1Miilion.
I was able to sit in the front row center. The speakers estimated to weigh over 700 lbs. were toed in quite a bit towards the listener.
The demonstrator played a lot of obscure music that centered on some very deep bass. I must admit the bass was quite impressive.
Eventually (reluctantly) the demonstrator played a few tunes that I requested, and I was quite surprised.
With this million-dollar system the music sounded quite dull, the rep called it “mellow”, but to me it was dull. There was no life to the music, limited highs and zero music coming from the extreme left- right.
For instance, I use the Linda Ronstadt track “Blue Bayou” as a reference. Within this track at about the 40-60 second mark there is a mandolin that plays in the extreme left channel. On many systems that information is buried deep into the mix. However, systems with high resolution can play it clearly. Unfortunately, with this million-dollar system I could not even detect it.
So why is it? Can the Wilson speakers be adjusted in such a way as to accent the bass and attenuate the mid-treble? If so, why would they demonstrate that way? Were the speakers too toed in? Or was it because there were about 10 people in the room (btw, a large room) which muted some of the speaker’s energy? Whatever, I was NOT impressed.
ozzy
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Wilson and D'Agostino are a known synergizing configuration. Not heard that with a loom of Transparent wire though. But I've heard plenty of $1M+ systems and some are very lack luster while others will knock your socks off. One of the best was the Mbl Xtreme system; if I could afford it, and had the right room, I'd have it. Alas, it'll never happen. I've heard it setup a number of places and Jeremy always seems to make the system sing, no matter what room it is in. Like a number of others have suggested, the elephant in the room is the lack of setup. Wilson should come out to do the setup of the dealer is unable. I've heard the XVX/D'Agostino Momemtum/dCS big stack/Clear Audio Statement with ARC Ref 10 phono pre and Nordost Odin 2 setup a number of times and it is really good. Not quite what I'm looking for, but it is in no way dull. Again, it is all about the room and setup and of course room treatment. Ozzy, hope you will get to hear a trophy system someday that'll really blow you away. They are out there for sure. I live in a metro area so have access to lots of dealers and to the shows though I haven't been to any for a number of years. |
@kota1 Yes, it may not be worth $1 million even if it cost that much. I've heard at least a dozen near and over $1 million systems at shows and at an audio store. Only ONE type was worth it to my wife and I. Also, many about 50+ reviewers/critics adore those systems. Both featured Von Schweikert Ultra 9 and 11s. With Master Built cables, Kronos table/arm, VAC amp and pre-amp, etc. Using my classical LPs and jazz CDs-just as if the musicians were performing in front of you, like a microphone feed recreating the event. |
I am confident in assuming those who found a million dollar system lacking were not rationalising their way out of suffering envy. I am a little put off by such a system only well suited to one listener in a minuscule sweet spot and not so special for a larger audience.Live music is not that way, having a major orchestra performing for only one person in a sweet spot. Should it not be possible to share music? For such a limited sweet spot what is the point of speakers when you might as well use headphones. |
Given $1M, I'd go into hiding 1st, given the experiences of Lotto winners..... Get my (well, ours...spouse and self....ignoring her wouldn't wear well....) 'affairs in order and my boots on..' (The Hardest Cut~Spoon).... I might tweak my audio gear with a few enhancements, but overall I like my trash. It'd be nice to have the elbow room to fart around with it more than I get to at present.... "Well, wtf Jerry, why don't you dump all that and get something like X, Y, & Zed?" *mock sigh* ...because, ultimately, I'm an opinionated *hole about all this 'n that and how I respond to it....and it's music, and I've got this thing about how I think and feel about how to approach it. (This is all good-natured, BTW....my usual stance... ;)....) Have a great Sunday....😊 |
IMHO a million dollar system had better do the following- *reproduce proper stereo imaging [WITH depth] at any listening position *play bass down to 16 cycles at full volume without discernible distortion *be utterly non-harsh with any recording good or bad *give me the same audio experience as in a million dollar pro studio if any of those were lacking, that would be a giant RIP-OFF. |
@emrofsemanon The one problem you prefer eliminating is utterly non-harsh with any bad recording. Unfortunately, I have some 78s, LPs and CDs which have terrible sonics and great performances. Harshness is more common among my pop and rock CDs due to bad/horrible mastering, rarely with my jazz and classical (the RCA/Sony reissues of mono operas about a decade ago were awful with compression, no bass, shrill highs and honky mids. The 1980s CD reissues were direct copies of the LP mastering and sounded just fine). So, I don't want a $1 million dollar system that makes a bad recording/mastering good if it is sonically.dreck. That is asking too much and means the resolution or frequency response is not good. I intend to purchase Von Schweikert speakers which complete your list. My current Legacy Focus do NOT provide proper stereo imaging with or without depth at any listening position which VS speakers are known for doing even standing one foot in front of one speaker. My Legacy Focus do give me very deep undistorted bass though. I sit on a side couch in my friend's home and hear his VS VR35 exports all the time and it sounds wonderful. |