Hi scottya118...thanks for the topic,
As a senior contributor for 2 channel, so far, I can agree with several differing responses so far. For many years, in a conventional multi-component, analog setup, a GREAT preamp and phono-stage was the heart and soul of a great system. Now, in 2021, with variety of excellent source options, focus is on room-speakers-tuning devices. Then... mating the best amplification affordable to the speakers, paying great attention to the load and characteristics of both. Same holds true in pairing the source to the amp with the many choices now available, expertise being invaluable.
Once that's all locked-in, for my money, EXPERT DSP can now take everything to levels never before imagined. Old thinking of the "purity" of getting from A to B to C, is simply that...old thinking. My super experienced Tech and I have carefully measured the sweet-spot, then have consulted our way, over time taking these measurements forward with great success. This is not a "problem fix" per se...it's more, "now, let's see how far we can take it." Once again, please don't think parametric equalizer. These are adjustments 1/100th of a db capability...a mastering engineer approach suited for YOUR room. We use music with which we are both intimately familiar, and fine tune.
I also have my musician 23 year old son as another pair of ears. He doesn't use our verbiage, but he is honest with his findings and gets them across to me nicely. A recent cable upgrade, he reported "more clarity and a larger soundstage." That truly said it all.
Even my Tech and I disagree on some things. He's at a point where he can use most any quality cabling and fine tune it to his flavors. Mine is more the approach of using the best sounding wire I can reasonably afford, THEN taking things forward with DSP. I'm adding this to point out that there may indeed be more than one "right" answer to many things in our hobby. The fun is, finding your individual truth. More Peace, Pin
As a senior contributor for 2 channel, so far, I can agree with several differing responses so far. For many years, in a conventional multi-component, analog setup, a GREAT preamp and phono-stage was the heart and soul of a great system. Now, in 2021, with variety of excellent source options, focus is on room-speakers-tuning devices. Then... mating the best amplification affordable to the speakers, paying great attention to the load and characteristics of both. Same holds true in pairing the source to the amp with the many choices now available, expertise being invaluable.
Once that's all locked-in, for my money, EXPERT DSP can now take everything to levels never before imagined. Old thinking of the "purity" of getting from A to B to C, is simply that...old thinking. My super experienced Tech and I have carefully measured the sweet-spot, then have consulted our way, over time taking these measurements forward with great success. This is not a "problem fix" per se...it's more, "now, let's see how far we can take it." Once again, please don't think parametric equalizer. These are adjustments 1/100th of a db capability...a mastering engineer approach suited for YOUR room. We use music with which we are both intimately familiar, and fine tune.
I also have my musician 23 year old son as another pair of ears. He doesn't use our verbiage, but he is honest with his findings and gets them across to me nicely. A recent cable upgrade, he reported "more clarity and a larger soundstage." That truly said it all.
Even my Tech and I disagree on some things. He's at a point where he can use most any quality cabling and fine tune it to his flavors. Mine is more the approach of using the best sounding wire I can reasonably afford, THEN taking things forward with DSP. I'm adding this to point out that there may indeed be more than one "right" answer to many things in our hobby. The fun is, finding your individual truth. More Peace, Pin