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In-Depth Explanation of the Audio Term "Synergy"

Hello: I've read and heard the term "synergy" bandied about frequently since getting into audio. Just the other day, an audiophile friend of mine said in an email. "Regardless of gear brand, I feel synergy is the most important thing to try and achieve really." This term "synergy" gets thrown around often and very easily. Most often I've heard this term used in the phrase, "amplifier-speaker synergy is the most important element of an audio system." I've always felt that if you put together a system and it sounds good to you or sounds "right", you have a system with amp/speaker synergy. I also felt that if your amplifier works with your speakers as it is designed without straining, clipping, running too hot, remaining stable etc., and produces good sonics with your speakers, then you have achieved synergy between your amp and speakers. I do an awful lot of research on the internet for all things audio (much to my wife's chagrin) and I've read several articles that discuss synergy. None of the articles I've read give a definitive and in-depth explanation of what "synergy" between a power amplifier or integrated amplifier and the speakers connected to it actually entails. So, I'm asking other audiophiles: What does "synergy" between an amplifier and speakers actually entail? Does anyone really know, or is this just one of those generalities that audiophiles put out there? What elements are really involved when synergy exists between the amplifier and speakers? I've always been curious about this subject
foster_9
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Yes Tvad, but is the meal considered to be a 'synergistic' accomplishment? Not usually, but usually defined or caracterised as 'cuisine' or just good chemistry.
Again, I submit that 'synergy' does not exist in audio systems, i.e. there cannot be a system that is greater than the sum of its parts. There can exist, however, a system where the combination of parts adds up to a more satisfying system than any one of the parts would leave one to expect - sort of the 'zero-sum' concept, when one deficiency is cancelled out by another's deficiency. But that is not synergy.
Bob P.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
It may be semantics, but I agree with inpepinnovations that a system cannot be more than the sum of its parts, but I would argue that many a system actually ends up being less than the sum of its parts. It's this "negative synergy" that experienced audiophiles are looking to minimize. There's nothing magical to it, it's the usual suspects of impedance/gain matching, attention paid to grouding, speaker/room loading, mechanical resonance elmination, etc. You try not to have the same problem in multiple components.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I see this discussion is going the direction of wire threads.

Synergy absolutely exists in cooking. Garlic, olive oil, linguini and
parmesan cheese taken separately are OK. In fact, toasted garlic on it's
own may not be to many people's liking. But, put them together, and the
flavor that is created is better than the sum of the individual ingredients.

I can place three different power cords into my system and hear Sound
A. I can then re-arrange them, and Sound B will be better to my ears.
This says synergy to me. Same elements. Different arrangement. It might
be argued that Sound A is less than the sum of its parts, and Sound B is
equal to the sum of its parts. To me, it doesn't matter. The point is that
the combination that creates Sound B is more synergistic than the
combination that results in Sound A.

Now, Sound B may be a result of some electrical action when the cords
are working in concert with their specific component, but since no one
can satisfactorily explain why some power cords sound better than
others, then I will submit that the ideal match cannot be arrived at
through simply matching numbers. Listening is required, and since
everyone's taste in audio is different...the art created will differ from
person to person even though they are all using the same tools.

Good art is better than the sum of its parts, and therefore good art is
synergistic whether it's painting, cooking or assembling an audio
system.

IMO.

:)
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
It appears that indeed this is turning into a discussion of semantics. BTW, what does semantics mean? The answer to that question will explain why I say that the use of 'synergistic' to describe certain characteristics of an audio system is the wrong use of that word.
With respect,
Bob P.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Bob, I am going by your definition of synergy as expressed here:
Again, I submit that 'synergy' does not exist in audio systems, i.e. there cannot be a system that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Using your definition of synergy, i.e. a result greater than the sum of its parts, I respectfully disagree with your opinion as it relates to audio...and to food.

Kumbaya...
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