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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
 
What most are describing is 'Complementary' not synergy. One component complements the other by making up for its partner's weakness or characteristics with its own weakness or characteristic.
Synergy is when the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, which in a sense, for good equipment is an oxymoron!
Synergy is a very misused term in 'audiophilia' - most of the time people mean Complementary or 'compensates for'.
Bob P.
willobandb
28 posts
 
From dictionary.com, syn·er·gy ( P ) Pronunciation Key (snr-j)
n. pl. syn·er·gies
1. The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
2. Cooperative interaction among groups, especially among the acquired subsidiaries or merged parts of a corporation, that creates an enhanced combined effect.

Applied to audio, perhaps two (or more) components that do not reduce the potential of each component involved in the "system". Whether the sound of each component performing at full potential is the sound you are looking for is another matter entirely.
Bob
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Bob, that really makes a lot of sense to me. Your statement,
"Applied to audio, perhaps two (or more) components that do not reduce the potential of each component involved in the "system"," I believe nails a large part of what "synergy" entails. When you put it like that, my integrated is truly not synergistic with my speakers since I know the speakers are not producing anywhere near their potiential. And it's not my sources or cabling. Good perspective.
mdhoover
695 posts
 
"Synergy is a very misused term in 'audiophilia' - most of the time people mean Complementary or 'compensates for'."
Bob P.
Bob P.,
I think you're right about that. I stand corrected.
timf
237 posts
 
I love the ideal of synergy! It really was the single word that got me to read more about audio and investigate the properties of that. Still, I dont know. I do believe it is true that "complementary" is not the same as synergy as a complete enity. It is perhaps an element though, and perhaps as a result of synergy. To me- in my endless misunderstanding of everything, synergy is really about the strengths of the individual components in union to create a certain quality and capacity. In a sense, I suppose you would have to have the vision to see these qualities in order to create the relationships between components and the design that would best present them. It is not compensation, regardless, because synergy could result in very bad sonics, and does result even in careless hands and on many different levels. There are bones and flesh to this- a structure, and then there is you and your perception of it. Honestly, you could be very thoughtful and informed, could place components together that exulted each other strengths and produced this "sound"you have always dreamt about, and then you could change. An important element of synergy is lost when all the elements are not related anymore.
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