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System Synergy Theory

Are the attributes of a component generally aggregate? i.e. if a phono stage has a slow bass transient response and a cartridge has a slow bass transient response � does that mean the sound will be twice as slow relatively speaking. Another example would be a cartridge that sounds airy, but tends to be lean with a bit of harshness in the upper octaves paired with an amplifier that is slightly on the lean side will the sound now be even more lean and harsh?

OR

Do components generally adhere to the �weakest link� theory when paired. i.e. if a phono stage has a slow bass transient response and a cartridge has slow bass transient response � the bass transient would only be as slow as the weakest link in the chain when paired. Same with the other example; is the bright cartridge paired with the bright amplifier only as bright as the weakest link in the chain.

Knowing this would go a long way in helping interpret reviews and estimating how components will match up. Obviously the ultimate is to listen for yourself, but there are far too many components and combinations to try. You could spend a lifetime and still not get through all the possible combinations. Perhaps it depends on the component. Maybe phono stages are aggregate, while amplifiers subscribe to the weakest link theory.


Any thoughts��..
carter9000
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Great question. I do believe the component characteristics are additive to an extent. Sometimes a single component will dominate the others. I will admit that I think I know how I prefer to put together a system but will admit that I probably got lucky in my current system. It is more likely that I stumbled upon the sound I like. To a large extent, system building is still trial and error though you can at least get in the ballpark by know your preferences and the sonic attributes of a component.
carter9000 OP
23 posts
 
I need to get out more. I don’t get to hear the equipment as often as I would like. BigKidz, I see your point. The same goes for movie reviewers – you really need to get a grasp for a particular reviewer’s tastes so you can interpret their review. If a reviewer hates every big budget action movie and they give Die Hard 3 a bad review…can you really trust that review if you like action movies…..

Knowing this information will help though. If more than one reviewer says the same thing about a component then I can most likely accept it as truth or if I trust that reviewer’s opinion. Which kind of brings up another point – what are the tendencies of the major reviewers?
piedpiper
753 posts
 
Carter,

best start another thread for that. interesting question.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
You mean there are still people out there who trust a reviewer's opinion? I still subscibe to Stereophile, but only for the pretty photos and functional descriptions. Call me jaded, but I stopped believing the reviewers sonic opinions many, many years ago.

Cheers,
John
carter9000 OP
23 posts
 
John, what is it about the reviewers in stereophile that you mistrust? Have you found yourself disagreeing with them too often in the past? Do you think they tend to give positive reviews to the advertisers?

I must say, you don't often see negative reviews anymore. You really have to interpret the reviews because the reviewers are often overly polite. Do you remember Corey Greenberg's review of the Vandersteen 1B's. Now THAT was a bad review! No kid gloves, he spoke his mind. Whether you agreed with the review or not, you had to respect the fact that he laid it all out there. Honestly, I remember thinking the same thing back then when I heard the Vandersteen 1B's. Not sure about there speakers today because I really haven't listen to them since the mid 90's. Who knows, my tastes have changed, and I am sure the Vandersteen's sound have advanced...so I may like the newer Vandersteen's, in fact, I plan to give that line a listen when I upgrade my speakers.

Point is - today reviewers are so polite. They almost never say "product sounds muddy" or "product sounds harsh". Instead they will babble on about "for the Price" the sound is fine, but when compared to more expensive fare...blah, blah, blah. Soooo, as a reader I have to put on my interpretive hat and read between the lines.

Hmmmm maybe this is cause for a new thread......
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