2. speakers
  3. 119096-1644

Speakers that are very accurate sounding but don't produce an emotional connection.

I have listened to a few speakers over the years that impressed me with their accuracy and presentation of the music, but just did not create an emotional response or connection. I have often wondered what that quality is in some speakers that produce an emotional connection with the listener. This quality has been identified by audiophiles, as "magical", "engaging"  "just right"  "euphonic"  "natural"  "true to life". " "satisfying"  "musical"....  I am sure there are at least 50  other  adjectives that could describe this "quality" of  sound . 

Considering the various aspects  of achieving  good and accurate sound by component synergy, is there a way to explain this so-called magical element that often eludes so many of us??.  I don't think such a feeling is temporal, conditioned by personal moods, or the phases of the moon or sun.  

Like to hear from members who have given some thought to the same issue.    Thanks,  Jim   

BTW, I know the thread is a bit out there, but  I don't think the topic is pointlessly pursuing the genie in the bottle. 


sunnyjim
sequence56
73 posts
 
Hello melbguy1

Did you hear TAD Compact Reference One and/or TAD Evolution One versus your Magico S5.

I heard Magico S5 last week with Zanden power, 2 X 90 W tubes and found it beautiful, especially very open, lots of detail and not harsh, but also a liitle weak at the bottom.
Heard S5 before and then there was much more low-end, even a little too much for my tastes. 
Indeed careful setup with electronics and room is highly recommended to reach audio nirvana.

So I think Magico and also TAD can accomodate listeners with very accurate sound, which however both can be too clinical for some.
I heard Magico V3 with all Spectral gear and while it was sounding very correct it left me cold as it was.


melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Sequence, I heard the Tad Evolution One speakers at the Melbourne Hifi Show and found the top end etched and bright. I can’t remember which amps they were partnered with, but I recall thinking the S5’s sounded a lot nicer with the caveat I have not heard the Tad CR One, nor heard those speakers in a familiar room with familar amps.

To me though, TAD is similar to Revel being the high end arm of a multi-national, broad-based company. TAD being owned by Pioneer, and Revel by Harmon. Is something lost when you have to answer to a boss in a corporate office 6000+ miles away? I don’t know.

The only tube amps i’ve heard pair well with the S5’s are Absolare & the CJ Gat & Art amps which both have solid drive. Though i’d love to hear how the Einstein or VTL mono's sound with the S5's. I think the Zanden amps would lack a bit of current to drive them to their full potential. My favorite gear for synergy as everyone knows is Vitus Sig series. I think Spectral and Devaliet are bad choices with Magico imho.
sequence56
73 posts
 
Hi melbguy1,

Thanks. As the technology of the S7 is incorporated in the new S5 MK2
they should sound wonderful!
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Cheers Sequence56. The S5Mk2's cabinet is a bit more optimized than the S7, whilst the S7's driver array gives it an edge in that area. They will both be terrific speakers given the right size room.
fliz
66 posts
 
What you're missing is mid-bass body and dynamics.

Most speakers are fairly good at resolving details in the mids and highs.

Very few speakers move enough air for accurate body.  You need 2 12" drivers or a 15" driver for the mid-bass (200hz) if you want it to have the weight of real instruments in the room.

The immediacy of real instruments comes from high efficiency.

I've never heard drums sound accurate out of a speaker with less than a 100db/1w/1m efficiency rating.

There's a relatively small list of speakers that fulfill this criteria.

http://wajonaudio.webs.com/The%20Ultimate%20Speakers%20are%20Within%20Reach.html
More to discover