Great question. I do believe the component characteristics are additive to an extent. Sometimes a single component will dominate the others. I will admit that I think I know how I prefer to put together a system but will admit that I probably got lucky in my current system. It is more likely that I stumbled upon the sound I like. To a large extent, system building is still trial and error though you can at least get in the ballpark by know your preferences and the sonic attributes of a component.
System Synergy Theory
Are the attributes of a component generally aggregate? i.e. if a phono stage has a slow bass transient response and a cartridge has a slow bass transient response � does that mean the sound will be twice as slow relatively speaking. Another example would be a cartridge that sounds airy, but tends to be lean with a bit of harshness in the upper octaves paired with an amplifier that is slightly on the lean side will the sound now be even more lean and harsh?
OR
Do components generally adhere to the �weakest link� theory when paired. i.e. if a phono stage has a slow bass transient response and a cartridge has slow bass transient response � the bass transient would only be as slow as the weakest link in the chain when paired. Same with the other example; is the bright cartridge paired with the bright amplifier only as bright as the weakest link in the chain.
Knowing this would go a long way in helping interpret reviews and estimating how components will match up. Obviously the ultimate is to listen for yourself, but there are far too many components and combinations to try. You could spend a lifetime and still not get through all the possible combinations. Perhaps it depends on the component. Maybe phono stages are aggregate, while amplifiers subscribe to the weakest link theory.
Any thoughts��..
OR
Do components generally adhere to the �weakest link� theory when paired. i.e. if a phono stage has a slow bass transient response and a cartridge has slow bass transient response � the bass transient would only be as slow as the weakest link in the chain when paired. Same with the other example; is the bright cartridge paired with the bright amplifier only as bright as the weakest link in the chain.
Knowing this would go a long way in helping interpret reviews and estimating how components will match up. Obviously the ultimate is to listen for yourself, but there are far too many components and combinations to try. You could spend a lifetime and still not get through all the possible combinations. Perhaps it depends on the component. Maybe phono stages are aggregate, while amplifiers subscribe to the weakest link theory.
Any thoughts��..