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Has a component ever changed your focus?

I’ve just made a change in my system  that changed my priorities. Swapping out a 2m black for a dL 103r.  Suddenly I’m listening to the music more than the system without having to think in such terms. 
Gone is the etched, hyper-detailed, scientific sound.... Instead, smooth, musical ease and emotional involvement. 
 Just as important, record surface noise has been cut dramatically. Opening up access to hundreds of LPs and I was reluctant play before. 
 And the new cartridge is still running in.
  I’m finding that after just a couple days, though collecting records was my favorite aspect of this hobby, now it seems to have so much more potential. I’m no longer thinking constantly of my next tweek.
 Has this happened to you? What component did you change that made you change the focus of your listening experience?

lwal22
kennythekey
593 posts
 
In assembling my latest system, I took a leapfrog step. I started with my analog front and then my speakers. In the middle, was a previously acquired integrated amp that was not the greatest match for the rest of my new investment. I tried some tweaks (cables), but they didn't do much. I started thinking, that some tweaks have the lowest return of investment, so the old conclusion that cables don't matter much. My dealer told me that I had to replace my amp if I really wanted to hear everything. That was another big investment for me, but boy was he (Jeff Catalano) right. I now hear anything I change good or bad. So, in my case proper matching of my speakers with the amp allowed me to hear all the changes up stream. After 50 years of working on my Stereos, if I could start it all over again, it would first begin with the amp and speakers. Of course, those two components alone won't make any music (LOL)...And, so it goes in this chicken or egg first hobby.
Kenny
tomwh
150 posts
 
You said more in your short question/explanation than these threads that go on forever.  I love the the scientific sound remark.  How many people realize cybels are not a electronic instrument.  Wood/plastic and brass do not make arc welding sound.

In regards to your question.  The phono stage can make a huge difference.  I make all my own stuff so I have tried LOTS of variations.  To keep it short let's just say lots of tubes/transformers/power supplies etc...

With a large wood tonearm and a great phono stage that 103r (stock) will sing.  You might grab a 103 for your collection.  A little more emotion a little less detail.  So depending on the record nice to have some tuning ability.

Enjoy the ride
Tom


invictus005
597 posts
 
I've been using multiple 2M Blacks on every tonearm, turntable, system I own and owned over the past several years. Your description of its sound character couldn't be further from what I'm hearing and from everyone else who has one that I know.

Properly set up 2M Black should absolutely walk all over the 103R.
lwal22's avatar
lwal22 OP
76 posts
 
Invictus—. To each their own.. that’s the joy of this stuff.  I set up the black meticulously..and I’ve been doing this for 40 years. I just don’t like it. 
I do take exception with one thing though... no component ‘walks all over’ any other. There are no such absolutes.  
My next door neighbor loves his Sonos. Who am I to say he’s wrong?

we do look to each other’s experiences to find our own direction, but my choices don’t invalidate anyone else’s. 
jsm71
141 posts
 

For me, the component change was my room.  I was running and enjoying Maggie 1.7s but I knew speakers well out into the room wouldn't cut it if our next retirement house didn't offer a dedicated listening room so I needed to find my retirement speakers.  Talk about a change of focus. 

JansZen came to the rescue with his Valentina hybrid ESLs.  This was a big jump up in cost and quality, but removed all the room limitations.  I have since changed out nearly every other component.  Linear Tube Audio's ZOTL40 amp and MZ2 preamp proved to be the best match for the new speakers.  The amp/preamp swap created the need for a new phono stage.  Don Sachs' custom phono stage now sits on the rack.  The last change was planned to align with retirement; my last turntable, the Technics SL-1200G.  All set now but needing to consider the room changed everything.

PS - my new house did give me a new and slightly bigger listening room, but I don't mind all the changes.  My new system is way better.  Room treatments and full cable upgrades were the finishing touches.

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