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AKUS - So Long So Wrong- Time to Stop Upgrading?

Just purchased this LP based on the fabulous reviews.

I would have to say that the song: It Doesn't Matter Anymore is the best sound I have ever heard on my system. Her voice and the instrumentation sounds perfect to me. Maybe the slight reverbation helps. Worth buying just for this song.

My point is that everyone worries about the equipment when in my opinion the engineering of the record itself is a major limiting factor in sound quality. In other words until I heard this song I didn't realize how good my system was. If this song sounds great to me then why spend thousands more upgrading?

Unfortunately it is records themselves and CDs that need to be substantially improved. I am sure it would sound better on other systems but at how much expense? I probably will upgrade my cartidge (the Lyra Lydian) which is probably the weakest link in the system but again I am 100% satisfied with the sound of this song.
slingshot
ojgalli
165 posts
 
You've just discovered THE weakest link the in the audio chain, the recording.

We fuss over equipment because that's our end of the chain that we can, to a degree, control.

But, time to stop upgrading!?
foster_9
1,610 posts
 
I 100% agree with you. I don't spin vinyl, but the CD software makes a major difference in the end result of a system's sonics. I now look for certain labels and remaster processes as part of my search for jazz which is the main thing I listen to. It's impossible to know what kind of sound you're getting when you buy a CD. JVC XRCD is very good on jazz but for instance the Bluenote RVG (Rudy Van Gelder) and other label remasters are generally inferior, thin sounding and lacking weight in the bass and mids. Some of the RVG remasters are must-have music for any jazz fan however so I have several in my collection. The Sony/ Columbia CD remasters are also excellent in quality. But the software can take away dramatically or add significantly to your system's performance.
dodgealum
976 posts
 
That song absolutely KILLS me.
nrostov
199 posts
 
Slingshot,

You should pick up the live lp. I can't believe how good this album sounds for a live recording.
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
It Doesn't Matter Anymore is the best sound I have ever heard on my system.

If you have a good system then it is worth paying attention to the people who mix and master.

When Gary Paczosa and Doug Sax are involved (a couple of what many might term audio "gearheads") then perfectionism can be expected...a glorious recording!!!

Here are some photos of Gary at a gearheads openhouse link to photos .
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