Describe the "new HiFi sound"?

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

OP -- Can someone describe this, in your words, what is the new HiFi Sound to you?

In 150 years of audio history, the reproduction audio sound always veiled and un-natural. There have been quad, stereo, and multi ch sounds, etc. However, all sounds still have veiled and un-natural sound. Now here is no veil and close to natural sound. Wavetouch audio sound. WT sound is a true new Hi-Fi sound. Alex/Wavetouch adio

@mapman   I hope your being facetious.

I was amazed at AXPONA how many salesmen would give a description of the system with statements like "These speakers will really give you clarity and punch" they seemed to not be saying they will BRING OUT the clarity and punch, this distinction is very important because speakers should only be an image of what the recording is supposed to sound like. I got the clear idea that manufactures were trying to give the idea that their system was defining the music, this happened at ever price range.

@donavabdear You make a very astute point. Did you notice how many JBL type rooms were booming like a 1980’s Panasonic Platinum Series boom-box. With the exception of most ultra high end gear the trend in audio is towards getting noticed or engagement on the lowest level. This might have to do with the Beats headphone generation graduating towards component audio and the boomers thirsting for that last gasp of nostalgia. Truthfully it is very difficult to make a very neutral speaker that is engaging. A perfect example at the show was the Totem Metal V2. This speaker had a sound of nothing a black background but still managed a level of engagement. Driven by Bryston gear only accentuated the neutrality a warmer SS amp could make them a nearly perfect speaker for $17k. Since most audio buyers buy piece by piece a product like the V2 Metal that does not call out for attention is a hard sell. With the current trend and media push of dual subwoofers and questionable room/source correction/altering devices what can we expect from the average(novice) audiophile?