2. digital
  3. 176780-171875

How do you judge audio components and speakers?

I would say - listening to music you're familiar with, and comparing. We can talk about tight/bloomy bass, midrange clarity, treble extension and things of that nature. We can also be very specific with regards to how a particular track is supposed to sound; based on high-performance gear that we were able to experience - but only if it purports to be accurate without sonic colorations. Therefore, I guess you could say we have a reference point. This part is what I would consider "objective performance." 

Along with this, measurements go hand-in-hand.

On the other side of the coin - subjective performance is how we "want our systems to sound." If the vocals are too bright or sharp, if snares or unpleasant sounding instrumentals ruin an otherwise good song, it's usually because the system is too accurate. So high-end audio is about chasing an ideal that doesn't exist in reality - but in the minds of audiophiles who are seeking a very particular kind of sonic presentation that bodes well with their music library as a whole....giving you just enough detail to keep you interested, while at the same time having a sense of realism, presence, and imaging that makes the speakers dissapear. We are seeking the illusion of a live performance.

 

The above are just my points. Feel free to share what you think. If you think I'm wrong, I don't mind. 

 

Cheers.

 

Jack

 

jackhifiguy
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,140 posts
 

It is not the best there is for sure...

But my ratio S.Q. / price is over the roof...

The best description is i prefer it to my 8 headphones...They are in a drawer definitively... I begun my journey with headphones...I modified them all with success...My speakers/room beat them all now...

But it will be impossible to create this without acoustical control and not only some  treatment, also  filtering and decreasing control for the electrical noise floor, and vibration control...

The last improvement is an intimacy who rival all my headphones...

i am really happy so much that i dont even want to upgrade some day to my dreamed amplifier... Berning ZOTL... It is no more necessary...

Many years ago i was frustrated with this 500 bucks system...Same system...And i am in heaven...

My best to you...

 

@mahgister

Thank you for the suggestions. I would love to hear your system. Happy listening!

Ron

jl1ny's avatar
jl1ny
419 posts
 

Where I’m at in the game there needs to be marco as opposed to micro level of improvement when upgrading. Visually, when deciding upon a new piece of gear, I look for speakers that are extremely well constructed and inert, components should have that Mil-spec build quality.

stuartk
2,907 posts
 

@dave_b 

I'm curious why you went with dbx rather than say, one of the Schiit eqs. 

I'm contemplating moving up to Schiit's top of the line Loki Max but perhaps I ought to consider dbx as well. 

Which model did you buy? 

larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 

I have always thought using an equalizer is a no no.  However, it would be nice to dial in higher frequencies because that is where most of our hearing loss is.

dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 

@stuartk I have a dbx 1231 Dual Channel 31 band  EQ.  I can fine tune the frequencies that need to be addressed, unlike the Schiit.  Also, the RF filtering and isolated transformer was a must for me to prevent EMF contamination in my installation.  Kinda expected to ship it right back, but damn if it ain’t working some kinda magic that I’m finding hard to resist.  Cable changes are rendered even more obvious when using the dbx as well, which kinda shocks me.  Still could try a high end PC on the unit but it is fed through a decent power distribution outlet but maybe?  Anyway, Sweetwater gives me 30 days no hassle returns so why not for $465

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