The $400 dac very likely has a highly compromised output stage. So, a marginal dac with a compromised output stage...there is a chance that it might sound good but a whole lot of fortunate accidents would have to occur for that to be the case. What often occurs among the well heeled is that they pay extra for the dealer and/or manufacturer to remove variables that detract from the sound. If someone's income averages $1,000 per hour, its highly unlikely that person would willingly spend 20 hours to discover the best $400 dac. Multiply that if someone is on a quest to do the same exercise for amps/preamps/cables/speakers. So many scoff at the value a trusted dealer brings to the table...I happen to believe they save many people the frustration and random successes that can sometimes happen. Is it more or less expensive to get it right the first time?
The Law of Accelerating Returns
I totally agree this letter from the editor of A-S.
It makes sense if you have a $10,000 high quality integrated and stick a $500.00 TT with a $300 phono section, a $400,00 Topping DAC and stream through your phone you will never know the real potential of the $10K integrated. And don't get me going on speakers.
This article makes total sense but one must live within their means.
No you do not have to spend a left lung for great sound but it all needs to be balanced.
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@asctim The author, Robert Harley, knows this. I know that because I once read something written by him that was both original and actually made sense. He is not being honest. However he also knows that his target audience either don’t know, don’t want to know, or don’t care, seeking some/any justification (however ridiculous) from an appeal to authority such as himself writing for the esteemed TAS.. See also what @8th-note says, above.
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"The marketing of luxury goods has a common thread in that the high cost of the item is actually a feature of the product. Exclusivity is a selling point." This, a million times over. And, the fact that others know how much your stuff cost is very important.
Yes, there are plenty of people like this. If it gives a sense of security and enhances their confidence and makes them feel better about themselves, then good luck to them. I'm sure their custom is highly welcomed for keeping the wheels of commerce lubricated. Only, just as long as they don't insist that their stuff is in any way superior sonically. There's absolutely no need to misguide and breed misplaced discontent amongst those with less financial means and or different priorities, is there? |
This guy really understand the Helmholtz method, it is a COMPLETE system if used correctly. Bravo.. About 1 in 10,000 really get it.. The ROOM, and then the room and after that, the room and when it's all said and done, THE ROOM! mahgister get's it.. The rest are settling for "good enough for me". That is just fine also. Some want more, some want less. That is what makes the world go round.. I'm 100% sure 80% of the audiophilers out there have spent a lot more on their systems than me.. I commend you.. The time I spent learning about room acoustics has been the single greatest enhancement of ALL the changes through the years of listening.. It was also the least expensive.. Thank you mahgister, MC, OHM, and a few other... |
Every system has a bottleneck, ie the thing that limits performance. It’s just a question of how much it matters. Can be very hard to determine with hifi gear. It takes a lot of work regression testing ie changing one thing at a time and comparing. Even then it is a subjective comparison and not an objective one so results will vary FBOFW . It can be a real exercise in futility in some cases to get it all truly optimized for best technical performance . That’s what engineers are for! New integrated amps and all in one units from reputable makers are a great way to avoid serious bottlenecks at a price point by letting the experts integrate things for you properly. Integrated amp technology has come a long way. There is probably one out there to satisfy most anyone. Except those who prefer to do it themselves of course. |
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