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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
sbrownnw
717 posts
 
I am enjoying my Audio Refinement separates with some ProAc Studio 125s on loan until my ProAc Studio 148s arrive.  Most engaging sound I've heard.  Took me a while to get here...
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,057 posts
 
Thank you Charles.

Good OP and many good responses.
+1 with Nonoise on audiophiles being able to put together systems at any price level that can and do avoid the issue.

Merry Christmas, all!
gpgr4blu
1,096 posts
 
I agree with David12. Many times, the amp makes the difference. Wilsons to me have sounded uninvolving and sterile with ss, except Dartzeel and D'Agostino-- IMHO I do not particularly care for them with the likes of other great amplifiers like Spectral and Burmester. But various Wilson speakers can  sound extraordinary, depending on the model, with Lamm, ARC, VTL, BAT, VAC and others.
Likewise, I have never been drawn in by Magico, many Focal and B&W's 800 series (except, for B&W, with McIntosh amplification which smoothes things over).
Is it possible that I have not enjoyed the any Magico because I have never heard them with tubes? Sure is. I didn't like B&W's 800 series until I heard them with McIntosh. Goes to show that the synergy between amp and speaker is critical.
Finally, David12--the Daedalus brand along with Tannoy, DeVore and other high efficiency speakers can also sound great---but I've only heard those with tubes.
taters
1,149 posts
 
I agree with David12. I have always hated Wilson speakers until I heard them with great tube gear. I am not saying they are my favorite speaker by any means. But they are definitely listenable with good quality tube gear. I have never understood people running Spectral, Boulder, etc, etc with Wilson speakers. The speakers should come with a warning sign "Tubes only please"

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

There are so many good responses to the thread, it is overwhelming and impossible to  answer each one.

To Melbguy1  Happy to hear that YG in the new Carmel II strove to deliver more engaging and musical sound.  The originals were outstanding, but a bit typically cold....no,.... not metallic or edgy, or bright.  I was impressed by them, but don't know how long I would have been able to listen.. I would hope for  $24,900, the YG Carmel II  is more than just engaging and  includes a paid voucher for at least 4 days/nights stay in St Thomas , VI. 


To Stereo 5,  I forgot that there was a Rectilinear 3A which I guess was a revision of the original.  One caveat, I should have added in my first response was to keep in mind,  I was awed by the Rectilinear 3 or 3A in 1972, I don't want to do the math on this one,  and heard the IMF's TLS-80   approx. in 1982 or 1983.  So, it is difficult, or maybe smart, not to be hailing a particular speaker that is over 30 years; but, only because the technology of speaker design has advanced:  testing, newer materials, both electronics and  (cabinet) materials  have considerably widened the gap  between what sounded very good then, and what sound very good now.  I happened to be checking out components on E-bay, last week and punched  up "Rectilinear"   A few of the models for sale were fairly beat-up,  with woofers yellowed by time, and tweeters that looked like hack jobs replacement from Joe's used audio parts emporium unlimited. I also noticed the faded rotary tone control which today I would howl at the moon than have on  pair of speakers. Though, in honesty,  Vandersteen's tweeter and  midrange(?) controls on some of their models do convincingly work and make a difference in the sound.    

   

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