Having owned LS50’s and now Reference One’s I can confidently say that you are missing out on a lot of potential in the amp department. I don’t think you need to spend $7k, but you could, easily.
Hardware or source materail
Hello –
The following is for context.
I am an old guy. I grew up in the days a Mac 225, AR3a, EPI, Phase Linear. I have only recently stopped working full time so I bought the following for my small office listening area, about 12x12.
Debut Carbon/Ortofon Blue
CA AXR100
Denon 600NE
KEF LS50
B&W 8” 300 watt Sub (sealed)
I mostly listen to orchestral, Steely Dan, Miles, Brubeck, Krall, Botti – you get the idea. I also am season holder for LA Phil and Hollywood Bowl so I know what “real” music sounds like.
My little system may not be to everyone’s taste but I find it fills my little space well.
Here is the quandary:
Like most, I am always thinking about the next “upgrade” for improved fidelity. Don’t need loud or to fill big space. However, I just purchased a half-speed (45 RPM) Brubeck and was absolutely astonished at the dynamic range and sound quality. I believe that what it is telling me is that with the right input the hardware I have is maximized.
Obviously, a $7K amp and equally expensive supporting components would be even better. But how much better? Is the investment in better source material a better use of funds? After all, that will always be available if the hardware is improved. You can buy a lot of $60-150 vinyl records (or CDs made from masters) for the 15 to $20K hardware cost.
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Probably so. But I posted this on several audio sites and so far, no one has answered the core question. It seems to me that everyone is focused on their XYZ 1000 and not on, shall we say, the actual sound. I fully acknowledged in my original post that better hardware would make a difference. The question remains: If a $60 vinyl record (vs a $30 mass produced one) has such a huge impact on the audio quality vis a vis the actual sound that I hear, would you not spend your money on more of the high quality source material first? Have I touched the third rail of so called Audiophile-ness" |
@noromance That is a disgusting post. |
- 25 posts total