Bad recordings and high end audio


Hello. Have decided that the kids are out of the house and I can dedicate some space and money to my long ignored hobby. What is different now is there are so few audio stores. I firmly believe in listening to products so thus I start this great new chapter of my life. The first 2 stores I went to the people were very patient with me and I listened to a ton of combinations. They asked me did I want to hear anything else and I said  yes, ummm,.. how about Led Zeppelin? I received the same response from both stores which was “all Led Zeppelin recordings are horrible” except for this one version of Led Zeppelin 2…blah blah. So I said what happens if I am at home and i have a desire to play Led Zeppelin or another perceived poor recording? They did not have an answer for me nor did they play Led Zeppelin lol . I ended up ordering a pair of Magnepan 3.7i’s from a different store. 13 weeks until I get them, ouch. I am going to guess that people do listen to poor recordings on great systems because you just want to hear a particular album, right? Or am I missing something? Just looking for a bit of insight. Yes, I know they want it to sound the best so I will buy it but is that the only motivation. Or maybe they hate Led Zeppelin, lol.
daydream816
I don't see that you mentioned your source-- vinyl?  CD?  Streaming ?
If we knew this, it would be easier to make suggestions. 

As mentioned, the better the sytem, the more resolving it will be-- in other words, the more information it will deliver to your ear. Good recordings will sound better and poor recordings will sound worse. 

As mentioned, you can tune your system to accomodate your listening preferences. There are other members who are much more knowledgeable that I am, but here's a list of factors, in no particular order:

1) The room. You may or may not be able to change its effect significantly, depending upon whether you have a dedicated listening room or not. 

Do not assume that a component will sound the same in your room as it does in a showroom !  !  ! 

2) If you are going digital, your DAC choice is extremely important as there can be wide differences in sonic presentation between them. 
I wouldn't rush into purchasing a DAC nor would I buy one I couldn't demo at home. 

3) Tone controls: You may want to choose an integrated amp with tone controls or else use a Schiit Loki or Lokius EQ.

4) Amplification. There is quite a wide range, from the "softest", most euphonic tube amps to the "dryest", most "clinical" solid state amps. In the middle of the range, there are tube amps and SS amps that exhibit the better attributes of both. There is also class D, about which I know nothing. Do a search on this site. 

4) Cables can make a big difference. This is a huge topic in and of itself!  

5) Vibration Control. I was using a Schiit Loki all the time before I stumbled upon a line of vibration control products that really worked in my system. I've subsequently sold the Loki. The harshness I'd previously  needed to tame with the EQ is no longer an issue. 

6) System Synergy. Choose components very carefully. You can't assume that any random combination of amplification, source, speaker and room will please your ears. Again, I'd suggest you purchase components from sellers who'll let you demo gear at home. Become educated re: the sonic attributes of various manufacturers. 

7) The sound in your head. What do you prefer? If you don't know, it's going to be much more challneging to assemble a system, that pleases you. Your comments suggest you're leaning more to the "musicality' side of the spectrum, as opposed to the "ruthlessly revealing" side. 

If this is true, you might consider either going with vinyl or with an r2r ladder DAC.



It’s true most Led Zeppelin is made to be played loud and a system needs to be able to do that clearly without distorting/clipping/fatigue  to deliver the intended effect best. A good example of where size and clean power matters. It takes a very good system to do that well in most save perhaps very small rooms. Matching components including speakers to room is key. All the things that audiophiles fret about matter even in the case of maximizing Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin is all about the power and energy of the music. The exact opposite say of perhaps a string quartet. Unfortunately I must point out that though Magnepans are wonderful speakers rock and pop music that excels based on power and dynamics like Led Zeppelin are not their forte and why I eventually parted with mine though I would still like to have a small pair around to use when the whim occurs.
My musical taste, like I am sure most people on here are all over the board. I love blues, , jazz,  solo voice and then I might want to listen to EDM. When I was younger, late 70s early 80s I heard some electrostats. I have had that sound implanted in my head since then. Thus the maggies. Yes, i know they are different then electrostats but I did get to compare some Martin Logans with maggies. So what is pleasing to me is detail and soundstage. Again, I am just getting back into my hobby and am trying my best to explain my thoughts. In hindsight, I wish I would not of skipped 25 years.   I have vinyl, a ton, but also would like to stream. My room is medium size ( 20x14) and empty, so I can do what I want in there. My initial thoughts are to pair a tube preamp with a SS amp. So many variables it is overwhelming , however I figure I need to start somewhere lol.  I must say I have watched so many stinking video reviews and spent hours on the forum. I agree to extend regarding storefronts. Limited brands, push their agenda ect. How often do you guys send stuff back  that  you buy direct? I do appreciate the input and patience in your responses, I know some of this is now second nature to you. 
Yes so many choices it can all be very confusing. You came to a good place here though to get a good sampling of what is possible. Maybe others here who live not far from you might offer to let you hear their stuff if you message them including myself. Also there are audio shows starting to go again now it seems and those are one of the best ways to get a wide sampling of what is possible in a short period of time.
@daydream816:

"My initial thoughts are to pair a tube preamp with a SS amp. So many variables it is overwhelming , however I figure I need to start somewhere lol. "

I don't know what your budget is but if you do not have unlimited funds, something you might want to consider is a Wells integrated. Jeff Wells designed his integrateds with the "SS amp + tube pre-amp" sound in mind. 

He sent me a demo unit (Magestic) to try out at home and he might be willing to do the same for you. 

http://www.wellsaudio.com/

As far as buying direct (or buying from sellers who offer trial periods with a return policy) and sending stuff back, I always do extensive  research before buying anything and have kept most of what I've bought, including my Wells integrated, Simaudio transport and Aqua DAC. 

Be aware that some sellers will penalize you if you return items in the form of restocking fees on subsequent purchases. Yes-- I'm talking about you, Music Direct! 

 There are quite a few options for buying cables direct and there is also The Cable Company. The latter will send you already burned-in cables to try out (whatever brand/model you're interested in).