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The best way to design an audio system.

What is the best way to design and assemble a high-end audio system?

Should you first adopt a system philosophy?

Or should you just pick out a component you really like and build a system around it?

These seem to be the 2 most popular methods of assembling systems that I have read here on the Audiogon forums. Of course, I have my own thoughts on this subject, but I am interested in how everyone else feels about this, and what are the reasons for their opinions. Considering that we have alot of new people on the Audiogon these days, it may be helpful for them to read about how the "old timers" and "experts" configure their systems and why.
twl
edle
235 posts
 
The first thing I would do is to go to as many live jazz concerts, classical music concerts etc. as possible. If you armed with a good pair of ears, then everything will be much easier since you got a reference or references.
Also try to listen as many types of speakers(well tuned system) - from moving coil(regular cone speakers), plannar, electro-static, full range, horn speaker etc. Compare it to your real life experience in live music. See which one bring you closesr to the real thing/sounds real and give you the most emotional impact/satisfaction. Then start from there...........
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Twl I know you're very experienced at this by now, but if you were not, starting out from scratch - I'd then advise...
* spend some time at an audio show if at all possible
* chose speakers first based upon personal sonic preference
* make your preamp the best component in your rig (if applicable)
* realize that there are NO absolutes in this hobby: what didn't work for another might work quite well for your rig & vice-versa
* tubes might be best left for later on
twl OP
3,251 posts
 
Nice stuff, guys. Teach our new people the stuff you've learned, and help them understand. Keep going! This is for them.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I must have crossed over some threshold somewhere (or this website has). Every time I make a comment that is not meant to be entirely serious, people respond to it as if I were dead serious. (They tend to be audio dealers, and the like.)


But then again, the "best way" to design any "high end" system, is not to have any budget restraints. Then you don't need to make any compromises. (Don't we all wish it was so for us!!)

I agree a good place to start is with the speakers. They are after all the only thing in your system that lets you judge the affect of every other component in the system. While not as good IMO; in some ways the speakers could also be last. You would pick the ones that sound best using the components you have. (This would be a lot harder.)

sean
6,231 posts
 
Rives, my list of "projects" is never ending. As such, i've simply been limiting myself to logging on AFTER i've made a reasonable amount of progress on something that i wanted to get accomplished. My problem, probably like many of you, is that once i get planted in front of this "one eyed monster", i have a hard time tearing myself away from it.

As was noted ( i think by Zaikesman ), it is just too hard to go "cold turkey" : ) Sean
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