Describe the "new HiFi sound"?

I don't know the term 'new HIFI sound' but if I was to explain it.

My interpretation is detail without coloration.

I'm in my 50s and the stereo's I heard in my younger years was enjoyable.  And when I listen to older equipment (for the heck of it I pulled out an Adcom amp and replaced my Moon amp with it) the sound is less dynamic and detailed.

Ultimately, I think the reason there's some many options is because we all have different tastes.  I hope technology has added the ability to pursue different characteristics.  

Ultimately music appreciation lies in the beholder - if someone likes it they like it.  And if they like it over Apple earpods or Boulder Audio with Wilson speakers does it really matter?

Overthemoon makes too much sense!

@overthemoon "My interpretation is detail without coloration."

That about sums it up in the fewest words. This is what the OP was about, initially.

After a few decades of messing with caps and cables, and too many different amplifiers and tubes - recently went back to following and learning from a few different amp designers and hardcore techs. Have been revisiting, learning, and understanding voltage/current and associated manual re-biasing of amps opts, or tubes, reconfiguring to full Class-A operation, and how this impacts sound too. Interesting and rewarding.  

I’ve come to the conclusion I still prefer a type of sound and presentation about half way between the old era of golden sound and the new era of hi-fi sound. Finding the preamp and amp designers who strive to achieve something close to this type of sound has been an interesting journey in itself. Ears and preferences vary.

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Thanks to all for the varied and interesting replies everyone, along with your own interpretations and examples! Its clear people enjoy hunting for the type of sound they prefer most and trying different components to help get there. Keep up the good work - as they say 👍

It’s bold!  It’s daring!  It’s in your face! It’s as if the audio gods finally decided to give it up. 

overthemoon

I’m in my 50s and the stereo’s I heard in my younger years was enjoyable. And when I listen to older equipment (for the heck of it I pulled out an Adcom amp and replaced my Moon amp with it) the sound is less dynamic and detailed.

The purpose of hi-end audio is being able to recreate the original music (natural sound). Yes. The music. In 50s and 60s, audio companies tuned the audio equipment with their ears. They made gears for human ears and the music/emotion. Many audio companies were close to make good musical gears. But they stop improvement there some reason in 80s. Nowadays, they make for only sounds, appearance, and specs.

overthemoon

Ultimately, I think the reason there’s some many options is because we all have different tastes. I hope technology has added the ability to pursue different characteristics.

It is the marketing from audio companies. Modern audio companies draw people’s attention from the music to the sound and technology. They don’t mention the music at all. What is the most important in the hi-end audio? It is the music which is in mid-range. While human voice (mid-range) sucks in modern audio, audio companies only talk minor sound characters such as detail, soundstage, sound depth, bass, etc.

"all have different tastes." No. People have no choice. They just get used to the sound around them. What people need is a good reference. The best ref is the original music which audio companies don’t want you to know because they can’t produce the music. They want people keep talk about the bass and sound detail.

Think what is the most important...

Alex/Wavetouch