2. amps-preamps
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equipment sound bad?

I took one of my favorite recordings to a local shop and played it on huge $11,000 Martin Logans and huge Classe amps. My recording sounded "bad" on this setup, whereas I had always enjoyed it before and I think I know why. Because the system was so transparent, had so little coloration of its own, it revealed more accurately that the recording itself was not very good. I don't think there was a problem with the room, the components or the speakers. OK, the room did have some strong rear wall reflections, but for the sake of discussion, let's say that the system was near perfect.

So, here's proposition #1 - we audiophiles have devoted our souls to searching for better and better sound reproduction only to find that when we get there, it can be a less than satisfying experience. Ironically, we wouldn't know how bad the recording was if we had a more mediocre system. Is this our reward for the pursuit of aural perfection?

Proposition #2 - it's all about perception. What sounds great to you might sound bad to me. Should we pursue the most musical systems instead of the most technically accurate?
dancarne
drubin
3,240 posts
 
My chief criterion for system building is to bring out the music on ALL recordings. This is not to say that I can't or won't be able to tell a good recroding from a bad one. But if music I love is unlistenable, mostly I blame the system. -Dan
turbofun
6 posts
 
check out the room you were in during the audition. Most
dealers are strapped for space and end up with several
pair of speakers in the same room. These will act as passive radiators and severely impact the sound. that's why
you should audition the equipment at home if you are
serious.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
You know, when someone is offering to listen something "better recorded" on the system that I audition I usually get up and walk away. I know that I have to get a right sound with what I listen and with what I believe is best recorded. I do not believe that a good system can only play best on MFSLs or some extraordinary manufactured crap.
dismalonyx
36 posts
 
Try Fidelio Audio (http://www.fidelioaudio.com) they make really good audiophile cd.
abstract7
541 posts
 
I also agree with Sean. We have an audiophile society where I live. We go to each other's homes and bring our own music and listen. All of us have expensive ($50k and up) and well designed systems. Most of us have dedicated or simi dedicated listening rooms. Every system has it's strengths and weaknesses (even at that price level). We all enjoy the listening sessions, but I'm pretty sure everyone goes home and says--"I really like my system the best". I know I do--and I know a few others think the same. It also has to do with the music you like. I like jazz and female vocal recordings--I have electrostatic speakers--no surprise there. You can probably imagine, however, that my system is really not optimized for amplified rock or pop music. The system has to work for the listner and the music the listner likes--a price tag doesn't make it a good system.
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