millercarbon ...
The only non-PPT enhanced system I've ever heard that came close to the kind of realism we are getting was Randy Cooley's room (Optimal Enchantment) at one of the audio shows. Randy always plays tasteful music during his demonstrations. He was using all of the ARC reference stuff, the big Basis turntable, and Vandersteen's best speakers. The retail value of Randy's demo system had to be several hundreds of thousands of dollars. And yet, my modest Legacy Signature IIIs are pumping out sound like that. Even better actually.
Frank
That must have been some setup. Imagine if he had even just a little of the good stuff in there! That's what gets me. When you get up into the stratosphere level of funding I would sure hope the sound is to die for. When in reality more often than not it is merely impressive. People who haven't heard simply do not know. That is why I am so keen on getting people to come hear, and then also to post comments.
All anyone has to do is read my system comments. That's not me. That's other audiophiles. When you read the comments from a guy who is into digital and looks askance at analog and yet is saying things like While I was there I was wishing for a more analytical sound but when I got home I was really missing that sound he was getting, you and I know what he's talking about. But no one else does.
Sad to say, utter complete lack of knowledge never stops them spewing their unfounded opinions, more often than not as fact.
And here you are again, passing judgment on something you haven't personally experienced. You didn't hear Randy's demo system, and you certainly have never heard my system either.
If you're ever in my area ... Southern Californa, Ventura County specifically, you're welcome to come over for a listening session. The only requirement is that you don a triple layer of adult diapers prior to the session beginning. I don't like stains on the ceiling and carpet.
Frank
Frank, you are too kind. He is the one, probably just about the only one, I would have to disinvite.