That was my fantasy, Jason. Yeah, I fancied I’d be driving home with whistling delight about how my modest system would wipe the floor with those big dogs. Ludicrous.
The Horror
After getting back home from “The Show” in Costa Mesa, California this past weekend, I walked over to my stereo system and turned it on. And silently wept. I had held out a feint hope that my cross-over modified 1.7i Maggies and mighty Parasound A21+, fed from a Prima Luna 300 tube preamplifier could somehow manage a slight shimmer of resemblance to the robust setups I witnessed at the SHOW. Not—- on— your —-life. Not even close. I slumped into my over-stuffed couch and stared long and hard at the thing I created: an anemic concoction of false hopes and wishful thinking. The horror, the truth: entry into serious audiophile listening begins with purchase of speakers that cost the price of the car I had to finance for 4 years, closely followed with the added expense of beefy sophisticated electronics and wiring, not a gaggle of cheap wanna-be plastic and tweeks. I so wanted to belong, but that’s turned out to be just a fever dream I’ve got to wake up from. Maybe one day, if ever I have the nerve to rob a bank, find Jimmy Hoffa, or survive a head-on collision from a sleepy Amazon driver, I might make it. Maybe. Feel free to play the violin with two fingers.
Showing 14 responses by audiodidact
What I saw and heard from the start was the Gryphon room, off to the right in the lobby. Talk about setting the bar right from the start! Honestly, though the Gryphon’s total package wasn’t really that obscene, (I mean it’s a Tesla, for chrissake. Doesn’t everyone have one of those?), it was still outside my reach. And the sound. Well, to cut down on the hyperbole, it was sound I’d not heard until that day, alerting me to the naked truth: This, this sound, is not what I do at home. Not now. Maybe never. I stumbled out of that room in trembling recognition of how real speakers sound. Then, of course, I heard the Vandersteens and the $57,000 Boenickes. Slam! Bam! And on it went. I was reeling. There were certainly some mighty mouses doing their best to take on these giants, but as good as many of them were, they could not drive the sound of those giants out of my mind. I appreciate @roxy54’s heartfelt encouragement. Rest easy. I won’t jump. It’s just a sad day. |
Yes, you’re absolutely spot on, it’s all relative in the end. I had, at one time, an even more modest system. It sounded good. But I kept reaching and I cobbled together my funds, swapping-out gear, used good tweaks, and all the other things we do to reach the next level, and then, I reached it. My music was sounding so good. I loved it. I was truly happy. And that’s the shape I was in when I arrived at the SHOW. Boom. |
Well said. It hit me hard, I can’t lie, the feeling of being so foolish as to believe my inexpensive panels could rival those monstrously engineered speakers and boxes that only the rich can patronize. Well, at least I know now. I’m free of the delusion. It’s time to take a breath, and, in time, see where to go from here. You’re right about it being about the music. |
Geeze, dude, “troll”? Give me a f’ing break already. I could not have “ lost track of what a full-bodied system sounds like” since I’d never heard it until I was pummeled with it at The Show. That was the point of my post. You’re displeased because I had the sickening realization that there are major differences in what money buys you in this hobby. Read Plato’s Cave, ok? The blinders are off. It may take me a few moments to deal with it. Alright? I’m a grown-up, and I know it takes an occasional slap in the face. What I am thankful for are those here who’ve been through it and lived to tell the tale. Thanks for sharing. |
You know, Roxy, I think you’re right, the non-audiophiles in my life were always astounded when they heard my system. That helped a lot to give me succor and the illusion that all was well. That, and the sweat work and money I put into it, of course. I was proud of my rig. But I was living in my own bubble, and though I did audition the Maggies, mostly everything else I bought without demo, based on reviews, and reputation, certainly brand. Not what I’m recommending going forward. As many here have stated many times, it’s different in your room. I guess, what I’m realizing is I’m getting a bit more experienced now, more knowledge, as someone here noted. But it bites to learn the hard way. |
Well, Eric, I certainly don’t know how else to measure the quality of sound except to hear whats in front of me. I sat down to listen to the speakers in the Gryphon room, the Vandersteen and the Boenicke rooms. I did not know the price, I just listened. Then I asked. Then I knew. They all were the sound I would call way better than mine. Now, they all did not have perfect setups and rooms. I thought the Gryphons needed more toe-in, and that the room was way too small. The Vandys were spread far too apart for my liking and their highs were a bit biting. The Boes were, well, perfect. But I get it. I just want expensive toys, baby can’t have them, Wah!!!!. Right? Or could it be I just want the best sound. And that simply is out of my reach. |
@ghasley I’m all in. I want the sound. I don’t give a flying wallenda about the gear if it doesn’t produce the right sound. Later today I will post more up to date pictures of the gear and room to help you all help me get this right. Thanks so much! |
What’s “kited around”? While you’re composing your response here’s a definition for you: ”troll”: “A…troll is someone who intentionally tries to start arguments, hostility, or conflict in an online community by posting offensive or provocative messages.” Honestly, have you had a good look at what you’ve posted lately? You’re not the boss of us, my man. You’re just another member, like me, and you’re entitled to your opinion. But throwing shade like that does not help. I may not know enough about hi-end gear just yet, but I know a thing or two about decency. Would it kill you to have some? I’m open to suggestions, not insults. Gawd, must there always be that guy in the life raft?
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@ghasley , thanks for having a look and the suggestions. You’re right, there’s been no plan, just swapping stuff-in/out and adding-in, based on pure feel or recommendations. Sitting down to create a real plan is the right way to start a long-term project, to get it right. But it will take time. Remind again, please, GIY?
@soix, Yes, the TV is the real “horror” or error of this space. But, it’s shared with the family and there’s no changing that any time soon. However, you’re right, a blanket or something would be better than nothing. I’ve mentally sketched a TV sized light wood piece covered in diffusion material with rubber hooks that could help, instead of hurt the reflections. I could leave it hung on the TV until viewing time (we don’t watch much during the week, and only a couple of hours on the weekend). Shouldn’t be that hard to make. Thanks! @tvad, I’ll definitely follow-up on that suggestion. Thanks! |