Your experiences with system synergy
Hi All -
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to demo a top of the line tube amp in my system. This is a summit piece that many audiophiles would consider and end game piece. I was ready to open my wallet and spend a big chunk of money to upgrade my system.
Upon arrival at my home, I set this tube amp and sat back to experience the magic. To my surprise, the amp sounded good, but it did not best my far less expensive current tube amp. I played with speaker placement and demoed lots of different styles of music to find the magic.
Eventually, I plugged my own amp in, the one I was expecting to replace, and there was an immediate sense of rightness. It was if I’d introduced a new dancing partner to my current system and they just could not match rhythms on the dance floor. Now, to be clear, my current system has great components. I don’t think there is a weak link in the system. Thus, I thought the end game amp would be revelatory and transformational, but it wasn’t.
It made me realize the profound importance of system synergy.
I’m wondering if others have had this moment or epiphany when introducing a vaunted and desirable component into their system just be sort of utterly disappointed?
It’d be useful for you to post more details about your system and the new amp. There are a lot of variables in play. I would not write off the new amp without a good long warm up, and ample time for the tubes to burn in (if not done during manufacturering). I’d also ask the manufacturer for input, and/or what cables theyy suggest with the amp....the synergy issue could be that simple. Give it a chance before dismissing it.
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I don't have experience in high end valve equipment, but I find there is a very clear element of synergy, even in my entry-level, solid state experience. All equipment in the audio chain have inherent "voicing". My experience is that the amp and speakers are the most critical elements, but source equipment voicing also vary considerably. My amp has what I call a "punchy" presentation with slightly extended high frequency output. The speakers I have are somewhat inefficient and have a more "relaxed" presentation. Together, the amp and speakers seem to have a complementary sense of sonics. My previous set up was the opposite with forward sounding speakers and a more relaxed voicing to the amp. They also played well together. |
@vonhelmholtz - Yes, exactly. It's a larger room with higher ceilings. I've been going to many nice hi-fi shops and after leaving I've thought "I guess my system does really sound good" because I've left disappointed in what I heard just demoed. |
@tablejockey - That's a practical way to think about it. I'd never demoed the tube amp (Audio Hungary) before I picked it up. It was COVID, so visiting some hi-fi shops was a bit impractical then... But yes, it was a reminder that sometimes the subtleties of these components can often be minor.
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@motown-l - On topic, would you mind sharing your speakers and amps? I'm curious where others have found a great matching... and which dance partner is a little bit more forward and... a little more laid back. ;-) |
