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Does "Fast" = "Detailed"?

I've noticed a few people discussing "fast" as an adjective for systems and components. A couple friends of mine use fast as an adjective they look for in amps and speakers (and other components including wire). I've noticed in my limited experience that those who like fast systems also tend to own/favor highly detailed systems. Recently, I looked at a member's system, which includes speakers built with ribbon tweeters used in conjunction with NuForce amps. He mentions liking a fast sounding system. Having heard both ribbon speakers and NuForce amps, I have an idea that this system is quite detailed.

Does "fast" equate to "detailed"?
tvad
gregadd
574 posts
 
...uh hum. Since my system is entitled "Speedd Freak" let me weigh in on this. IMO detail comes from getting the leading edge right.transient reponse. if the system is slow it tends to blurr the leading edge and exhibit ringing in the back edge. This blurrs deatil. I dont think they are equal but they do go hand in hand.
tvad OP
9,467 posts
 
Gregadd, my observations tend to corroborate your comments.
sherod
1,681 posts
 

I Like MdHoover's description. He took the words right out of my head. As close to reality to me is plenty fast and detailed. Close to real would also encompass warm and detailed as well. Those Mac amps can be pretty warm and detailed, Grant.
tvad OP
9,467 posts
 
Every "fast" system that I have heard (as described by others) has been detailed, clear and without bloom. None have been what I'd consider warm and inviting. One or two have been cold, clinical and I could not listen for more than about an hour before getting a headache. Maybe I haven't yet heard the right "fast" system.

BTW, my VAC, Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III, APL Denon 3910 system is one I consider fast, although it has some bloat in the bass, so it is not as fast as others I have heard. It certainly makes the music sound real, though. Interestingly, the tube amp produces more realistic bass than any SS amp I have owned because all the solid state amps tend to overload the room with bass so the tonal balance can seem out of whack.
gregadd
574 posts
 
"Every "fast" system that I have heard (as described by others) has been detailed, clear and without bloom. None have been what I'd consider warm and inviting. One or two have been cold, clinical and I could not listen for more than about an hour before getting a headache. Maybe I haven't yet heard the right "fast" system."

I regard my system as fast and detailed. I have no interest in a system that sounds as you describe. A good ribbon or electrotstatic system combined with tubes is fast and not at all cold or clynical. e.g.My Moscode and M/L CLS or Soundlabs with an Atma-Sphere amp.
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