2. misc-audio
  3. 175071-102681

Heart vs the Head / Irrational Audio Compulsions?

Before I got into serious audio (magazines, separates, spikes, cables, green marker pens etc) I used to predominantly go by looks to make my purchasing decisions.

I remember being totally enthralled by the LCD meters as featured on some tape decks (Sony?) back in the 1980s.

Of course I’m way past such whimsy now.

Or am I?

 

Having finally seen and heard one of the skeletal Rega decks in action (Planar 8 or 10) it now often comes back into my thoughts.

It not only sounded very impressive (tape like) but looked so different and strange that suddenly it went from ugly to compellingly desirable in a very short space of time.

All of a sudden my previously trusty rationality seemed to go missing in action.

Now I’m left wondering whether the Technics decks are really better after all.

Or even if it really matters.

cd318
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Those Rega Planar TTs are real neat looking! But they are belt-drive and the Technics are direct-drive - so an advantage there with speed stability and momentum! I tend to favor and use the Ariston/Linn TTs - belt-drive with very heavy platters - lots of momentum!

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,510 posts
 

RS-1500US gits it.

pesky_wabbit's avatar
pesky_wabbit
1,183 posts
 

in a nutshell, the whole theoretical concept behind the minimalist skeletal sandwich construction approach is high stiffness aligned with low mass, with low mass = low energy storage, and hence less delayed energy release problems associated with high mass decks.

go with whatever sounds better to you

knotscott
824 posts
 

LOL...me too!  My early systems sounded decent, but LEDs, EQs, sleek looks, and more watts with lower THD had far too much appeal!

I think I'm largely past that, as I'm more of a straight wire with gain kinda guy now, but I still appreciate a cool looking component.  What's really changed is what I think is cool. 

chayro
2,936 posts
 

As I recall, Peter Aczel of The Audio Critic dubbed it the “I’ve got to have it” syndrome. It does exist. For some reason, an Audio Note dac seems to be permeating my thoughts right now.

More to discover