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Can HI FI components really make music?

Hello everyone. I am posting this question possibly a bit early but I am getting frustrated and am about to throw in the towel, sell everything and buy a Bose wave radio and call it good. My question is does a good HI FI system ever really sound like live music? At this point I think not. I have been in this hobby for about 7 years and just can't seem to get there. Even the system at the local "hi end" dealer does not come close to live music. My system has evolved over the years to the following:

Wadia 861 CD
VTL MB 125 mono blocks
Supratek Chennin Pre
(2) Vandy 2WQ subs
Vandy 3A Sig
Cardas Golden Cross inter con
Kimber Bifocal XL spk cable
Vandy model 5 Xover

All this gear is in a 13x35x8 room. Although the sound is quite good. Better than most any other system Ive heard it still has a long way to go. In all fairness the 3As are not completely broken in but I dont think they will improve to the extent I want them to over the course of the next 30 hrs. My dealers solution is that I should get rid of the Supratek and replace with a VTL 5.5. I dont think so. Been there done that. Although the VTL is decent it cant compete with the Supra.

At this point I think maybe the VTL 125s are just not sophisticated or powerful enough to give me the sound Im looking for. I think they are the weak link along with cabling. I stated earlyer that the dealers system doesnt do it for me either and I think that may be due to the fact that their biggest amp is 185 wpc. Im thinking maybe a sophisticated amp with say 400 wpc might get me there with the 3As. I dont know... but I am not willing to spend 100K to what I want nor could I afford to.

For those of you that are still with me any and all input welcome. I am not one of those thin skinned audiophiles that cries like a baby when someone has the audacity to insult their precious gear. So fire away.

Thanks
braro
cdc
1,412 posts
 
"In all fairness the 3As are not completely broken in but I dont think they will improve to the extent I want them to over the course of the next 30 hrs."
But you don't seem to be happy with them.
"I am not one of those thin skinned audiophiles that cries like a baby when someone has the audacity to insult their precious gear."
Okay, but I never even mentioned anything about your speakers being good or bad.
braro OP
87 posts
 
Cdc I was reffering to your comment. "Wow, you say this speaker sucks". I am just trying to clarify that I think they are good for the money but I am to a point where I realize no comination of "hi fi" components and recorded media is ever going to sound like the real thing. Its my own fault for thinking I could make it happen even though Ive never heard a system that could. I guess it just shows my lack of experience. It was a very expensive lesson. Thanks for your response.
sheffb
64 posts
 
I am very pleased with my GamuT CD1R for source, but if you are looking for perfection, the Reimyo 777 CDP probably would take you another step beyond the Wadia 861. From my experience, when you finally get your system fine tuned, nearly live music results. I can truly say I experience it. I was at the St. Louis Jazz festival a couple weeks ago, at the Opera a month ago and live performance of My Fair Lady last weekend. I listened to same jazz performers at home, Madame Butterfly at home and Sound of Music at home which sounded just about as good to me. I am sure there are many better systems out there, but my argument is you can approach live music at home. It is not impossible. From what I know your speakers, however may be somewhat veiled. I predict if you put your speakers on sistrum stands, you would be amazed the improved clarity
c5150
115 posts
 
Can HI FI components really make music?.....no
Can you learn to make a WHOLE system...room and tools etc,make you smile again ...yes....Go beyond what you thought was possible and blow the doors out of all hi-fi....hell yes
sheffb
64 posts
 
My apology on my mis-statement regarding the 3A Sig. possible veiling. I was thinking of an earlier vintage Vandy. I still recommend the Star Sound sistrum platform appropriate for your size speaker. It can make a big difference. Product is guarenteed.
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