Listening to what we Like Instead of what we have to


Trying to find my way back to enjoying/feeling music and moving away from analyzing fine details, critical listening etc...

My pinnacle of enjoyment was probably with inexpensive JM Lab bookshelfs, an old Velodyne ULD-12 Sub, and an Audio Research D-60 amp with CD straight in, no pre amp. Currently I am selling my Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands they never really made me happy. The mids lose it with complicated transitions and they are a touch dry and bright to me. Current amp is an Audio by Van Alstine 60 w SET control amplifier. It runs approximately 90 watts into 4 ohms. Source is a Bluesound Node. Cables are MIT Term. 2 interconnects, and Kimber 8 TC speaker. I listen at low to moderate levels. The room is wider than deep. 12 deep and 18 wide. I can sit about 9 feet away from the fronts of speakers with them about 30 inches out from the walls. I do listen to music a lot when I’m up and about though, I'd like/prefer it to sound good then as well.

I often have to listen to only the most well produced and best recordings of genres I only kind of like, to enjoy the music. I’m really sick of that.

My music of choice is mostly 80s pop/rock/some country and glam rock. With a bit of 70s and 90s mixed in.

I enjoy finding new current music too. Usually pop and rock as well.

Steve Winwood, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, Eddie Money, Neil Diamond, Kiss, Madonna, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Eric Clapton, Eric Carmen, 80s Billboard, Johnny Cash, Baltimora, etc...you get the point.

Detail is a good thing, like when you can hear Madonna say God echoing many times at the beginning of the long version of "Like A Prayer" or nice cymbal splash. Not too forward, or bright though. I have a decent REL sub so smaller speakers can work. I like a big soundstage and hearing things in recordings going on up, out and away from the speakers. Overly veiled is not preferable.

I could really use speaker advice or recommendations for under 3k. I’ll move backwards from new speakers through the rest of the system to make improvements if/when needed/ and can be afforded. Does any of this make sense? Thanks.

sirmelvin27

I often have to listen to only the most well produced and best recordings

Why?  Is someone forcing you to do that?  Of course not!  It's something you choose to do.  You have other choices.  It's not about the equipment or even the setup, it's about you and your relationship to music.  As those great musical philosophers so aptly put it way back in 1972 -- Whoa, listen to the music all the time.

If interested in a pair of stand mounts You might enjoy a pair pf Fritz Carbon 7s SEs. They are easy to drive. Known to mate well with your amp (from thread here on AG). Check out the website. The owner offers free shipping and a generous return policy. 

Just go out and listen to as my pairs of speakers as you possibly can, and let your ears be your guide.  Happy listening.    

Unless my system gives me the bait - a wow moment - each time I listen, I am not convinced it’s right for me. And I’m getting the bait from both systems, after many years of mix and match. I agree this is essential for emotional and intellectual engagement with the music. Loving it and hope you find yours.

Plus 1 @kennymacc

Don’t take our word. We don’t know your room and certainly don’t know your ears!

Do you have an audio store or even a Nebraska Furniture Mart anywhere near you? Go out and listen to everything you can.

All the best.