@willemj Interesting points on total distortion comparison. My take is that if the measurable distortions (or not perfectly flat frequency response) do not detract from the general resolution of the system, then it is not a big deal. One can get hung up about small quantitative measurements while missing the bigger picture- the quality of the music reproduction. In other words, the goal is not to lose data at any cost, rather than minimum distortion at any cost. In fact DHT SETs with horns reproducing every minute nuance of emotion from a 60s mono LP may be more satisfying than an ultra low measured distortion rig which loses that detail at every step of the reproduction process. Remastering for example. Further, while vinyl has measureable and audible distortions, a great analogue recording will always sound better than one in which the data has been irretrievably lost.
HI-FI NEWBIE NEEDS HELP!
I am new to the higher end of music listening, actually I haven’t started the listening part yet. I have just purchased an Emotiva XSP-1 pre and a pair of Magnepan 1.7i’s. My listening room is 14x14 but one wall is not closed off completely and there is an additional open space connected that is 8x9. My budget has been unexpectedly diminished more by having to buy new connectors and speakers cables. I just assumed I would be able to use my old RCA connectors and my 50’ spool of speaker wire I bought from Radio Shack 25 years ago. I will pause while you laugh....Anyway, the jist of it is is that I’ve got $2500 left for an amp. I need advice on what would be good for my setup? What would last the next 25 years, as I am a poor man with expensive tastes and will probably not be able to make any further upgrades. Would something used and older be out of date technically in 10-15 years? Could I consider something new that would be adequate for that price point? Should I go mono or two channel? Thank you for your consideration and reply.
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willemj I am not saying that everything sounds the same.Actually, yes you have ... you've just placed a few conditions on your claim. I have argued that amplifiers may sound differently for a few identifiable and avoidable reasons commonly ignored by audiophiles, and not for the magic reasons that they think.If there's a practitioner of magic here, it would apply at least as much to you - and maybe more - as it does to your critics. "Magic" is an illusion, and relies on things such as misdirection, psychology and manipulating expectations. |
Distortion and resolution are intimately related: with distortion you lose resolution. However, you are right there is a level at which distortion or non flat response become irrelevant, once they dive below the threshold of human hearing. That was exactly my point. But how do you define loss of data or detail? |
cleeds, you are so tiresome in your deliberate misrepresentation of what I say. 1 It was suggested that I think everything sounds the same. 2 My answer was that this may be true in the case of electronics if some conditions are met. But those conditions do matter, and I have repeatedly stated them here. I have also repeatedly backed them up with emperical evidence. If you have empirical evidence to the contrary, you are welcome to present it. 3 The other part of my answer was that speakers and room interaction produce far from perfect results. I do not think that is controversial. |
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