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Is it possible for something to be the best?

Since there really is not difinative standard when it comes to musical reproduction, is it possible for a piece of equipment to be the best. Or will there ever be "the best system"?
Live music is the sound we are trying to reproduce but even that varies from venue to venue. I'm guessing not many people have actually had a live band/orchestra play in their listening room so to what are we comparing our systems? Can we trust our memory to acurately remind use what a concert we heard several hours, days, or years ago sounded like? Is it realistic to compare my listening room to a $50,000,000 dollar theater designed specificly for the arts?

I'm obviously not suggesting we quit trying but is this hobby/obsession an exercise in futility?
I've been wondering for a long time if the best componant in a great system isn't the listeners imagination. Any comments?
128x128nrchy
twl
3,251 posts
 
Okay, if you want to pin it down hard, the "best" is to be defined by a set of parameters. The term "best" only applies when there are parameters set. If the parameters are measurable, then a given item that measures best could be called "best". If listening tests are the parameter, then the listener's idea of best are the ones that fit his taste. ETC. for other criteria. Also, with audio, the system matching is important, because simply assembling all the "best" items doesn't ensure the "best" sound. This includes the room, as Bomarc says. I could safely say that no one system would be the "best" for everyone. This includes price. The "best" is of no use to you if you cannot afford it, other than as a reference point. This also includes experience. Your idea of "best" may change as your experiences widen and deepen. As I stated above, the best you can hope for is to get the "best" for you.
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nrchy's avatar
nrchy OP
2,124 posts
 
Marty, you're God's too small. You need an upgrade!
sean
6,231 posts
 
There is always a best in every category. If you don't believe me, simply as a manufacturer of any product and they'll surely be able to tell you what is best and why : ) Sean
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nrchy's avatar
nrchy OP
2,124 posts
 
Sean, if I asked every maker line level pre-amps which is best each one will have a reason why theirs is it.
I didn't start this thread to make a mockery of all the equipment out there or marginalize everyones system. I just wonder if it's possible for anything to really be the best. As an example; SETs measure badly but sound great, at least to their buyers. If both of those statements are true can SETs ever be considered to be the best?
It has been said that pursuing sensation dulls the feelings. Is pursuing the best system actually dulling our ability to enjoy listening to music?
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