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Has hi fi become too specialized

Let me start by saying that my system consists of Two Tandberg 3009A monoblocks(180 watts per side) one Tandberg 3018A preamp, one Tandberg 3001A tuner, a Rega PL25 with Benz Ace MC, a Sony ES 777 SCD, Boston Acoustics A400 speakers, and a couple of Richard Gray 400S power conditioners. All hooked up with Nordost Red Dawn interconnects, Red Dawn speaker cables, and Moray James power cords. I realize that while my system is not the last word in current hi fi, it will also not humiliate itself under a variety of music and conditions. The other day I dropped by my very nice local hi fi dealer to see what was new. I ended up listening to an assortment of Thiel speakers among others. The listening was done under typical audio room (Excellent) conditions, much better than the conditions in my office!! Even under those perfect listening conditions it became apparent that this was a system that would humiliate itself under a wide variety of music(Mozart, Patricia Barber, Louis Armstrong, Tom Petty.... you get the idea!) While this super expensive and set up perfectly system had moments of greatness with some music, it fell flat on it's face with other types of (Less serious) music. My point is most of the older hi fi systems I've listened to do make all types of music an enjoyable experience. The latest hi fi equipment while no doubt advanced is also alot more narrow focused. While listening to all kinds of current " Super Equipment" I have found the same problem. As I get older I find myself exploring types of music that I thought I never would(African, experimental, new wave, electronic, etc..)I like to think my horizons are expanding! When I first bought my gear I did so because classical sounded great on it. Imagine how good I feel about my investment now because it has the ability to make anything I feed it sound good. Back at the dealer when we listened to Tom Petty through the Thiels my ears were bleeding from the stark, harsh, revealing, naked sound of the Thiels. I feel current hi fi is too specialized, what say you.
nocaster
plato
1,543 posts
 
Well said, Bigtee. I just wanted to add that it is probably to the dealers benefit to feed and encourage the "ruthlessly revealing" school of thought. That way, when the system you just plunked down thousands to own sounds bad he simply says, "Yeah, incredibly revealing, isn't it?" That way, he allows you to believe that that's the way things should be; so he doesn't need to spend time helping you fix the problem(s); and down the road it's easy to get you to upgrade to something "even better."
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I don't buy the statement at all that equipment is produced with a narrow focus. That would be pretty silly from a mfg'erer's perspective. Now there's always been the odd amp or two that sound well with 5 piece band and instantly become congested with a large orchestra. But that's the exception.

I think you give your dealer (and perhaps others) more credit than he deserves.

An excellent sounding system will sound excellent regardless of the type of music.

I'm convinced the experience you describe occurs way too often and the problem most always lies typically more toward the enthusiast, salesman, or installer rather than the equipment.

It is my opinion that, regardless of price, most systems fall flat on their face when they come up short in any one or more of the following four categories:

1. Lacking a certain caliber and synergy of components. This need not be expensive nor too difficult to acquire. But it must also include full-range speakers.

2. Lacking proper vibration control for all components, racking system, and speakers.

3. Lacking proper AC power conditioning and general AC tweaks such as dedicated lines, cryo-treated plugs, outlets, etc.

4. Lacking proper speaker and listening chair placement.

5. Adequate (you don't need superior or perfect) room acoustics.

Successfully addressing each of the above categories is absolutely foundational and essential toward obtaining the best sonics possible.

So when you ask "Has hi fi become too specialized?", I believe the answer is no.

Instead, I believe hi fi (as well as some to many other endeavors) is going the same way as public education.

In other words, if what one has ain't working, then one simply thinks throwing more money at it is the solution. Thinking money is the cure all. But the end results remain the same regardless of how much one spends until a new mindset occurs.

-IMO
plato
1,543 posts
 
Stehno, that's the basic nuts and bolts of it, but I tend to think that the AC power rituals are somewhat over-rated.

I don't have and have never had dedicated lines, cryo-treated outlets, or elaborate AC purifying devices in my system (except I once reviewed the PS Audio P300 powerplant). It seems that some of the better AC cables filter out some interference, and some of the better gear has either built-in AC filtering or extensive power-supply regulation or both. Also, some of the AC filtering devices constrict dynamics, which is not a good thing.

Obviously the measures you listed will be more effective in some systems than others. And I've probably been lucky to have relatively clean AC in some of the places I've lived.
Thanks for posting!
trelja
3,223 posts
 
My goal in this hobby is to have a great time listening!

I don't pursue "the absolute sound" for the sole sake of it. If 90% of the stuff I played sounded bad, I'd be VERY unhappy, and consider the sound of my system to be poor. When I go to listen to music, it can be joyous, sensual, moving, whatever, but I rarely enjoy things if the sound is "bad".

While people tell me that the best aspects of my system are the sound staging and "accuracy" - whatever "accuracy" is, I go for enjoyment and let the chips fall where they may. Others are welcome to listen to test tones, etc., but music just plain sounds better to me.
bostonaudi
2 posts
 
That is all top of the line Tandberg gear, it doesn't get much better than the 3018A etc. etc.
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