Fantastic thread with so many angles to consider!
For me, some of the keys include:
- Aspirational reference points
- Room/gear and gear/gear matching
- Step-by-step improvements
As more specifically articulated above, more goosebump moments is what I'm after ultimately. By listening to as many rooms and systems as possible, I've noted which design approaches and gear I find most moving. my touchpoints include fleshed out instruments and voices that approach 3D, lively dynamics and tonal accuracy...those cues that tell you "whoa! I hear real musicians in that room". Each decision strives to push further down a path that brings me closer to that goal.
IMHO, speaker design is the big kahuna with incredibly wide ranges of strengths/limitations/priorities/needs. You've first got to decide what type of speakers will take you where you want to go and choose your favorite that you can afford that will work well in your room and with your other gear. So focus on speakers first, ensuring room fit and a compatible amp, even if the initial amp isn't your be-all-end-all.
Put more of your source investment where you have most of your beloved media if you have both analog and digital.
Like many of you, I've had to upgrade components individually over time for budgetary reasons. I try to think through each purchase to:
- Leapfrog the prior component further towards my references & goals
- Head towards more transparency; more of what's in the recording will ultimately be what you're after, not hiding it. If the trumpet don't bite, something ain't right! The point made about not getting trapped offsetting is a good one(e.g. a warm speaker with a cool amp). That's a recipe for disaster.
- Make incremental steps large enough in impact to be worthwhile. Hold off on sideways moves and wait until you can swap in something you're confident has a real chance to be a major upgrade.
Listening to as much gear as possible in as many real rooms as possible will strengthen your ability to identify which design choices make a stronger personal connection. Used gear purchases "as home demos" is best of all, often at not much or any cost. Given the state of COVID & retail, it might be your only option. Maximizing synergy in your room toward your goals with your other gear is what it's all about.
Cheers,
Spencer
For me, some of the keys include:
- Aspirational reference points
- Room/gear and gear/gear matching
- Step-by-step improvements
As more specifically articulated above, more goosebump moments is what I'm after ultimately. By listening to as many rooms and systems as possible, I've noted which design approaches and gear I find most moving. my touchpoints include fleshed out instruments and voices that approach 3D, lively dynamics and tonal accuracy...those cues that tell you "whoa! I hear real musicians in that room". Each decision strives to push further down a path that brings me closer to that goal.
IMHO, speaker design is the big kahuna with incredibly wide ranges of strengths/limitations/priorities/needs. You've first got to decide what type of speakers will take you where you want to go and choose your favorite that you can afford that will work well in your room and with your other gear. So focus on speakers first, ensuring room fit and a compatible amp, even if the initial amp isn't your be-all-end-all.
Put more of your source investment where you have most of your beloved media if you have both analog and digital.
Like many of you, I've had to upgrade components individually over time for budgetary reasons. I try to think through each purchase to:
- Leapfrog the prior component further towards my references & goals
- Head towards more transparency; more of what's in the recording will ultimately be what you're after, not hiding it. If the trumpet don't bite, something ain't right! The point made about not getting trapped offsetting is a good one(e.g. a warm speaker with a cool amp). That's a recipe for disaster.
- Make incremental steps large enough in impact to be worthwhile. Hold off on sideways moves and wait until you can swap in something you're confident has a real chance to be a major upgrade.
Listening to as much gear as possible in as many real rooms as possible will strengthen your ability to identify which design choices make a stronger personal connection. Used gear purchases "as home demos" is best of all, often at not much or any cost. Given the state of COVID & retail, it might be your only option. Maximizing synergy in your room toward your goals with your other gear is what it's all about.
Cheers,
Spencer