2. misc-audio
  3. 160445-114477

Downside to "revealing" system?

Greetings, hope all are well. Since upgrading my rig over the years( ML 11a, REL s812s, VPI Prime Sig. Soundsmith The Voice cart, Pass xp25 phono, and Luxman L509X with Cardas cables and various powercords, plus S/R room treatments which have been unbelievable) many beloved older pressings have revealed themselves to be just about unlistenable. I'm speaking of, for example, 70s Reprise Neil Young, Randy Newman, Joni etc. Pressings are immaculate and cleaned on an Audio Desk cleaner and table is definitely set up properly. Newer " audiophile" pressings sound great. End result is I am listening to more cds since acquiring an Esoteric X01 D-2 which make even old cds sound great. I've always been a vinyl person and have over 4,000 records acquired over 30 years. I am thinking of getting a new cart next year and have heard great things about the Dyna XV-1s. ( input appreciated) Anyway, forgive the long post, I am actually grateful for a diversion from current events, stay well friends!
joeyfed55
tablejockey
3,941 posts
 
Not so fast..

SS Strain Gauge-the final frontier. I've had the opportunity to sit and listen with my own LP's in  a SS room w/PL. That damn SG IMO, was all those stupid audio geek superlatives AND it did sound organic.

Just more to chew on.
erik_squires
16,346 posts
 
Also, take a look here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/my-pet-peeve-revealing-speakers
rego
378 posts
 
Your list of gear is exceptional in terms of quality playback ... some recordings can sound flat and a bit lifeless.
Anything more specific ... ??? Something must be souring the playback.
Joni Mitchell’s Albums / Recordings in general tend to blow me away whether digital or analog!
Switch to the Integrated 509x Phono Pre ... get another set of ears on the case!

Post removed 
erik_squires
16,346 posts
 
So one thing that seems to always shock audiophiles:

Studio equipment and trends has changed a great deal over time.

The mixing/mastering engineer in 1970s was not using the same benchmark systems as they are in 2020's. Even if they were, I guarantee that they are different than what you  own.  There is no perfect, reference system.  The best we can do ( IMVHO ) is to shoot for neutral, which sounds good with most music, and adjust with tone controls as the need arises.

Alternatively, we can buy a separate system for each record.

The choice is yours.


I will say that too many audiophiles attempt "revealing" when it's really "more treble" which is fine, as a personal preference, but you will hit that too much treble more often than a more neutral system.

In either case, good tone controls, and those in the Luxman's are excellent, are your friend.  Either engage them judiciously or stop listening to recordings you no longer like to listen to. 
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