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
gpgr4blu
1,096 posts
 
Melbguy, I am not sure that Magico has "greater in-house design and manufacturing" than Wilson, but even if it did--that would never be the measure of a "better" product. If it were, we'd all be listening to B&W , KEF and Focal who have among the biggest most advanced facilities in the world. Not that there's anything wrong with that. IMHO, it all comes down to the ear of the manufacturer. With relatively small companies like Magico and Wilson--those ears belong to Wolf and Wilson.  In some of the larger speaker companies, it comes down to a committee of listeners. I've heard great speakers from very small manufacturers that stack up with the very best-- because of the ear of the designer---Daedalus, Salk, Nola. Frankly, I much prefer all of those to Magico as they sound more like music to me whereas Magico sounds like fairly undimensional hi fi. But again--I am open to persuasion. Maybe I have not heard Magico with all factors acting in their favor despite the fact that Alon Wolf set them up himself on 2 of those occasions.
coli
291 posts
 
Emotional connection comes mostly from room reverb/immersion in my experience. So it’s more about speaker/room interaction. The more accurate the speaker, the less forgiving, you need to setup the room perfectly. Hence why most audiophile speakers are notoriously inaccurate, it helps to cover up shortcomings.

(If you have a non symmetrical room, you’ll never get what you are looking for) Try take that emotional speaker outdoors, I can guarantee you that the emotions will be all gone.

What I look for nowadays are 2 way horn/woofer designs or concentric designs. With certain active monitors, you can have the best of both worlds.
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,534 posts
 
Sunnyjim-

no doubt that today's speakers are most accurate compared to speakers of 10years and older. The key, is to get that "synergy" correct. This reflects careful considerations w/ gear, speakers and cabling.

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,534 posts
 
Second note;

as above, I too, was disappointed upon auditioning both TAD and Aerial loudspeakers. Despite excellent reviews of both brands over the years.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
@gpgr4blu , Like I said, if you’re relying on notoriously sub-optimal
show conditions alone to judge an entire manufacturer, you’re only fooling yourself. I formed my view of Wilson Alexia’s based on auditions in a Dealer’s main treated room *and* under show conditions.

I can't comment on Daedalus,  Salk or Nola as I have only heard Daedalus, and only under show conditions.  Look out for my future review of the Magico S5 Mk2 speakers. They are completely different animals to the original S5’s & incorporate many of the innovations of the M Pro.
More to discover