Everything matters is the short answer as always. But to over amplify the importance of one aspect of audiophilia over another is not a fruitful argument imo. Room construction, size, acoustic treatments, speakers, amps, preamps, sources, cables, etc..., all that matters if getting the best sound to your ears truly matters to you. Unfortunately there is no easy short cut, not even high end speakers.
"The Ultra High-End Speaker."
My entire relatively simple high end audio system retails for approx. $70,000, with my speakers alone retailing for approx. $24,000 (Revel Salon 2 speakers). I've been around high-end audio for over 40 years. I attend audio shows and visit local and non-local high-end audio shops on a regular basis. I get to hears a lot of high-end audio speakers and gear all the time. That said, I honestly believe, along with others who've visited my home and have listened to my system, that my system (speakers) produce that ultra high-end, reference quality sound. Others would suggest that, when it comes to speakers, that the "Ultra High-End" sound can only be achieved by megabuck speakers costing 50K, 100K, 250k and beyond. I do not believe that ultra high-end ("Sound Quality") is excusive to those speakers costing a king's ransom. And, I think my own system is am example of what can be achieved at a lower (not for most people) price point. I absolutely believe in the law of diminishing returns, especially when it comes to high-end speakers. What's your definition, idea of, what you consider to be, a "Ultra High-End Speaker, and at what price point does the ultra high-end start?????
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Lavigne never said that the Revel speakers in a well treated living room compare in design and potential quality to his TOP speakers and to his actual speakers/room ...He said that he could live happy with that... Then read him right ...
You must understand that OBJECTIVE acoustic satisfaction in a dedicated acoustic room where all acoustic factors work without being impeded cannot be confused with the quality design evaluation of the gear which is another matter ... I am happy with my low cost speakers ... Where did i said that buying the superior design of the Revel speakers is useless BECAUSE i designed acoustically my room ? Nowhere did i suggest that ... Neither Lavigne suggested that the Revel will replace his actual system , even if he said that as any of us we can live happy with them... Good acoustic experience dont reduced to design quality price of high end ... There exist a minimal subjective treshold of acoustic satisfaction ...but we need a dedicated room acoustically controlled to experience it the most and for the better with good design to begin with at any price ... Minimal acoustic satisfaction is not TOP OPTIMAL acoustic satisfaction ... The quality of design of each components play a role ...Only idiots will equal my low cost performance speakers even well embedded to Revel speakers and the Revel to the Lavigne speakers ...My low cost system dont compare a second to his even if i am as happy he is with his system ...I am not an idiot ... But if acoustic passive treatment and active mechanical and digital control play the greatest part in acoustic satisfaction experience NOT THE PRICE TAGS... This dont means that price tag of higher design is snake oil ... I never say that high end audio is a MERE scam and only idiots will claim this , but high end audio WITHOUT acoustics is a STOP GAP nevermind the price (i dont speak about few acoustic panels here and there ; read wikipedia definition of psycho-acoustics to begin with )
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If you invest upward of (say $250) in an audio system and do NOT BUILD a house (or at least 'barn' or complete addition from ground up) to put it in (including floor, walls, ceiling, power supply (obviously, nothing but a solar powered bttery bank and purely DC equipment), then you lost your mind, and are considered Ultra STUPID High End. |
I'm with @baylinor
Too often these threads overemphasize the room (by people who can't or won't buy better gear) or the gear (by people who can't or won't pay attention to their room). It seems painfully obvious that a good room with good gear is good, and a great room with great gear is better. All of that is "personal" taste, but really -- good is only good and better is better. And if you can't hear the difference, it's you -- not the room or the gear. |
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