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When Did Your System Disappear?

As we upgrade our audio systems, things (hopefully) keep sounding better and better. I have found that after a certain point, the system completely disappears. It’s no longer a pair of speakers, amps, preamps, sources, etc. Music is created out of thin air floating between and behind the speakers with little to no colorations in the sound. The regular audio verbiage can be thrown out the window because all you hear is the recording. If something is bright or harsh or bass heavy, it’s the recording not your system.
I noticed this when I modified my source and preamp to accept better power supplies. Using a combination of linear power supplies and large SLA batteries took my system to a new level where the equipment just disappears. Of course, this wasn’t the only thing that helped. Up to that point, every component has been experimented on to achieve a high degree of synergy. Interconnects, power cables, speaker cables, etc. all play a role too. Everything matters. 

My question to you all is when did this happen in your system? Did it develop slowly over time or was there a definite change that occurred with a certain upgrade?
128x128mkgus
timlub
2,041 posts
 
My very first audiophile system that I ever had disappeared. 
1979
Kenwood L07C
Gas Grandson of Ampzilla
Kenwood KD500 table
Audio Technica AT 1010 tonearm
Goldring cart
Technics SB-7070 Speakers (check these out online)



millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
^^^ Yes, it is truly amazing when the speakers not only disappear, but when your room morphs into the recording venue.

Frank


Put more on the internal speaker wires, and wrapped them in Mats. Have to be careful, with so much covered not to create a short. Lotta work getting in there but Holy moley! 
ddriveman
171 posts
 
When I switched to my current Rethm Saadhana speakers. I thought I already had it for years but these speakers took it to another level completely. Now, I have listerners who have never heard any audio systems in their life, just look stunned and shock at the image in the middle, completely outside and free of the 2 speaker cabinets. They're always complimenting about how the music is beautiful, realistic, with real presence plus a believable soundstage and image.
Before, my system appealed to audiophiles but first time listeners might be impressed but not quite enthralled. Now they just sit and want me to play their favourite tune after tune.

bigkidz
3,403 posts
 
Not surprised that this happened when you upgraded power supplies.  But simply adding an AC filter choke also will help in that area.  Better capacitors and resistors will also help a system disappear. Much cheaper than cables, and all the other tweaks, etc.

Happy Listening.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
It happened when I added an Audio Research LS10 preamp to my system.  The result was an immediate effect of shock and awe.  It has only gotten better over the years as I've moved up the chain of Audio Research preamps.
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