If I had to pick one or the other, I would say "depth"; however, they both are very important. I think "dipole" speakers contribute more depth than box speakers.
"Timbre" is very complex. How can someone state "unequivocally" that they have the right timbre?
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I think we can all agree on a "three dimensional image"; what is most interesting, is how the various components contribute to that image. I'm curious to learn what others know in regard to this.
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While I don't disagree with anyone in regard to "timbre", especially since it's taken me years to get the right timbre; I consider it just another aspect in the complete package. DB in regard to loud is not something I take into consideration, while -DB in regard to the absence of noise is important. For me, the 3D sound-stage is an audiophile's finest achievement; once this has been established, the rest is easy.
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Ballywho, what kind of speakers do you have now? I've been able to turn "midfi" speakers into something close to high end by upgrading the capacitors in the crossover. If you can solder there are ways to upgrade what you have. |
I consider "the rest" to be a refinement in speaker wire and interconnects. If you compare this to cleaning a window that you thought was clean, you will get the feel of where I'm coming from.
Some go by the name of the wire or interconnect, I prefer what % of silver or OFC copper and kind of strands. For example I like fine strands of heavy gage OFC copper for low frequencies, copper and silver for midrange; and silver for the high's. Interconnects should be copper silver composite since they must accommodate both extremes. I roll my own and use silver solder, this guarantees quality construction.
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Each sound was produced in space, and I consider it an audiophiles highest achievement to reproduce that element of space on playback.
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There are times when I sound like a "know it all audiophile". There is a reason for this. 25 years ago, there were three well stocked "high end emporiums" in my area. I spent so much time auditioning, that my wife swore I was seeing another women.
One of the emporiums had seating like a small theater, and you could make yourself comfortable while listening to what the customers were auditioning. Each time they changed components, the new lineup was announced. I recall top of the line ARC and Thiel speakers that reproduced a sound-stage so realistic, that I wanted to walk up and kiss Carmen McRae. Someone came in and requested a Rotel amp; that's when it fell apart, although the other expensive components remained. That opportunity to hear so many different combinations of equipment is why I sound like a "know it all".
Music was my passion before I owned one single solitary record. My first record player was a "one box deal", and I enjoyed the music immensely; that's why I can agree with everyone, to some extent.
Enjoy the music.
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Ballywho, what pre and amp were you using, and how much importance did you place on them in regard to the deep soundstage? |
Rrog, I've spent much time in many bistro's listening to many of the same people I have on records, and if you think you can reproduce that at home, you must be in a different universe. |
Rrog, it's apparent you are an "audiophile wannabe". This is a serious "audiophile discussion", come back when you're qualified. |
I was just kidding, you can hang out with the "big boys".
On a serious note, it's unfortunate most of those places where you could audition high end equipment are no longer around. Although the equipment on Agon is a lot less, knowing what to buy is a problem. The only option is to read and experiment. Since you can easily sell it back, I guess the cost of shipping is the overhead.
Ballywho, that Audio Innovations 500 sounds like a serious piece of equipment. I bought Mullard 6922's and they didn't justify the cost. Shuguang 12AX7's are very good and not expensive. I like your power tubes.
It takes a long time for newbies to realize how important the amp is to the soundstage and since the sound comes out of the speakers, it's speakers, speakers, speakers. Unfortunately there's nowhere they can hear how each component contributes to the whole, I understand this. Regardless what stage we are in as audiophile's, we all share a common love of the music. |
Your new speakers have gotten some fantastic reviews, and they are at a real world price; enjoy. |
On a serious economic note; if top of the line Radio Shack was all I had, that's all I would have until things change. Good music sounds good on top of the line Radio Shack, and bad music sounds bad on top of the line high end. |
