I have recently in my late life, discovered a dream HiFi System which actually 'wowed' me and is not too 'unrealistic' in the price. Fortunately the speakers look good and solid, and I think would attract the 'wife' approval in the siitting room. The same brand have their new integrated amp, its all in that silver metal look, actually looks nice, neat and very purposeful. Because of the brands reputation (the client list looks quite impressive with famous names) for that tantalising sound, no nonsense solid engineering and build I have every faith in the components. The only consideration is finding that extra money but will still cost less than a new average car.....
Whats the deal?
Why do people, myself included, place so much emphasis on build quality and appearance over sound? It’s so strange that I’ll do just about anything to make my system sound better apart from using tone controls or buying / enjoying speakers that don’t use high quality drivers, cabs and crossovers. It’s like I have an audiophile checklist of dos and don’ts
A good example would be the fact that I have bought and listened to many different models of Paradigm speakers and the only ones that I loved were the Signature 2 V.2. I have loved the way many other Paradigm speakers that I owned looked or were built but when it comes to sound they were all too bright. Sure they image well and have good dynamics but I see so many posts about paradigm that have a similar tones (no pun intended).
Why oh why do we spend all kinds of $ trying to make speakers that we don’t like sound like speakers that we do like.
Wouldn’t it just be easier to buy new speakers as opposed to new amp, source, wires, room acoustic treatments trying to put band aids on speakers that we don’t like?
Kind of reminds me of marriages where the Wife is a total jerk yet the Husband will stay with her forever because she’s beautiful.
A good example would be the fact that I have bought and listened to many different models of Paradigm speakers and the only ones that I loved were the Signature 2 V.2. I have loved the way many other Paradigm speakers that I owned looked or were built but when it comes to sound they were all too bright. Sure they image well and have good dynamics but I see so many posts about paradigm that have a similar tones (no pun intended).
Why oh why do we spend all kinds of $ trying to make speakers that we don’t like sound like speakers that we do like.
Wouldn’t it just be easier to buy new speakers as opposed to new amp, source, wires, room acoustic treatments trying to put band aids on speakers that we don’t like?
Kind of reminds me of marriages where the Wife is a total jerk yet the Husband will stay with her forever because she’s beautiful.
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- 33 posts total
I think it is 'chemistry' You see a speaker and 'get interested' Sometimes, like at a show or dealer you hear it from a distance, and 'get interested' in the sound. Either way some spark is ignited in your mind to look into the speaker.. Even pictures in magazines can do it. Or a review. Some way or other the spark if interest comes first. The the basic design may enhance the interest, or be a turn off. (Just like some guys want a tall cool beauty, and others a good cook who is kind) And just like/unlike (depending on your experience) a mate.. there is no one true love in speakers... (I can see in divorce court.."My speakers were playing for that other man..." How can I live with them knowing that") |
For any speaker larger than a bookshelf model I also see them as furniture. They are large. They sit in our homes often in plain view. They have a function. Why not be attractive? Most of want our furniture to be attractive. I have Aerial 7B Speakers. I got them for free (which, in many things trumps beauty and function). They are finished in black ash. They look nice, they exude quality and they are exceptionally well made but they are monolithic. You could see monkeys smashing bones in front of them with 2001 Space Odyssey blaring. If I were buying them or something similar today I'd pay extra for a natural wood finish. I have a Madrigal Proceed HPA2 amp. It it all business. Dull gray. One big silver button, two tiny lights. It exudes power and seriousness but looks like something from a factory. My Audio Research LS-16 has a face and reminds me of what people thought robots would look like in 1950. Get a load of this CDP. Not my cup or tea but it certainly has a design aesthetic: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/p-IAAOSwBRlcbyIq/s-l1600.jpg |
I went totally for the Stonehenge look.. Giant speakers towering on each side of the window.. Except I clicked it down a notch by having them in light oak trim and the off white cloth (I guess that is the "esthetics" part. (Magnepan 20.7) With the color they are they sort of almost vanish during the day, with the brightness of the light from the window dominating one's vision. If only I would have chosen the dark grey cloth and cherry rails... No one would ever confuse my listening room for a normal living room |
- 33 posts total