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So, I listened to a $1Million Dollar System

So, I listened to a $1Million dollar system.

A somewhat local dealer had an event that showcased the Dan D’Agostino Relentless Epic mono block amps, Relentless Preamplifier, Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX speakers and subsonic subwoofer. Along with the Transparent cabling, HRS stands, DCS Dac and other accessories I estimate the total cost to be over $1Miilion.

I was able to sit in the front row center. The speakers estimated to weigh over 700 lbs. were toed in quite a bit towards the listener.

The demonstrator played a lot of obscure music that centered on some very deep bass. I must admit the bass was quite impressive.

Eventually (reluctantly) the demonstrator played a few tunes that I requested, and I was quite surprised.

With this million-dollar system the music sounded quite dull, the rep called it “mellow”, but to me it was dull. There was no life to the music, limited highs and zero music coming from the extreme left- right.

For instance, I use the Linda Ronstadt track “Blue Bayou” as a reference. Within this track at about the 40-60 second mark there is a mandolin that plays in the extreme left channel. On many systems that information is buried deep into the mix. However, systems with high resolution can play it clearly. Unfortunately, with this million-dollar system I could not even detect it.

So why is it? Can the Wilson speakers be adjusted in such a way as to accent the bass and attenuate the mid-treble? If so, why would they demonstrate that way? Were the speakers too toed in? Or was it because there were about 10 people in the room (btw, a large room) which muted some of the speaker’s energy? Whatever, I was NOT impressed.

ozzy

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richardmathes
51 posts
 

I’m glad I stopped at $950,000. From there, it’s a game of diminishing returns.

Please tell me that this is intended to be ironic, or I might have to slit my wrists. 

dain
60 posts
 

As a college student I got to hear a million dollar rig. It was integrated in the room, that was destined for an organist to house his instrument. The pipes were replaced by a stack of quads. The woofers built into the floor, powered by all mono levinson amps. There was a pro tape machine that had recordings of the Chicago symphony made for this guy. So naturally I wanted to play James brown sex machine to hear JB in all his glory. Not so great. The symphony sounded good though. 

dadawada's avatar
dadawada
27 posts
 

So the source is a $2 piece of vinyl. I'm always amazed at what people are willing to burn money on...but...their money. 

I will guarantee you that I get as much enjoyment or more out of my system and still have lifelong funds available for other things I enjoy doing in life outside of sitting on a chair listening to a $2 piece of plastic...🤫

Pura Vida...

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,525 posts
 

I do wonder if the $1M system was just so great that it made average recorded music sound substandard or anemic.

Although if it can't play the music I love, it's a no-go for me.

ozzy

r27y8u92
46 posts
 

If I had $1,000,000, I'd buy $100,000 audio system and buy $700,000 house in suburban area (hoping a lot of privacy, especially for music listening with quite loud volume), and with $200,000, modify the house to make a great audio room. 

Looks like most audiophiles have a tendency to ignore the very importance of listening environment. The audio room (or hall, studio, etc.) is more important than the audio equipment.

I still remember, when the Carnegie Hall was remodeled, some audio critics were very disappointed. It was because the interior of the Carnegie Hall was poorer than before. The listening room is so much important.

I rearranged my speakers (Vienna, Mahler) so the speakers have more space behind them. After that, the sound became more life-like!

 

 

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