2. misc-audio
  3. 160528-132585

How do you know what you're missing?

Without listening to better systems than your own, how do you go about targeting what to improve? How do you know what is possible? It's a case of you don't know what you don't know. I get that indistinguishable from live is the definition of high fidelity, but I don't see that as a realistic aspiration without a dedicated built to spec room and a few orders of magnitude more expensive gear.

Reading reviews or forums can't possibly educate as well as demonstration. "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture," applies to the hardware as well as the media. I've isolated myself for many years prior to current circumstances. I can't remember the last time I actually went and listened to someone else's system. For that matter it's been years since I heard live music, too. (I don't count serenading the cat at home.)

Is it a case of you'll know it when you see it? Is this not a common problem? Or do you just not know it is a problem?
cat_doorman
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@steakster 

i would say clean power is a necessary, but not a singularly sufficient condition for the excellent hifi sound you describe
Post removed 
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
steakster

not saying you are imagining things... or that clean power matters greatly in your system sounding great

we don’t know the op’s future system, do we? or how much clean power would matter to it...
cat_doorman OP
237 posts
 
As I understand it, clean power is a necessary but insufficient condition for great sound. It’s on the list, just not next on the list. I have some reasonable no bullshit cables from Zu and Cullen that should be good until I need to get to the next level. I have an LPS for my DAC. I’m using a Furman PST-8D because it should protect my equipment without completely screwing up the sound. Plugging directly to the wall is never going to happen. Too much at risk. I’ll look into a regenerator or conditioner seriously when I think it has become the limiting factor. 
bjesien
1,283 posts
 
@cat_doorman I think you are on the right track with power.  In my experience cables and power conditioners will provide you with that last 5-10% and help bring it all together.  Cables are like tires, they link the performance together.  You want to have your engine and suspension tuned before buying performance tires.  If things are out of alignment tires good tires are a waste of money- although you might feel a difference.

You have a very high efficiency speaker. That gives you a lot of flexibility with low powered amplifiers.  There is plenty of light reading out there on what amps pair well with them- that's where I'd start.  That will likely lead you to examine your source.  That might lead you to examine your power, etc. 

You will find out soon enough if you enjoy cycling through gear, buying, selling, trying different sounds, etc.- that's a real part of the hobby for some audiophiles.  If your fortunate, your partner will be accepting of your relatively benign hobby.  If you start looking for enjoyment in the Fedex delivery more than your family, you need to re-examine your situation and what's really "missing".    
More to discover