I'm glad that you remember your Dad like that. Mine was an EE and skeptical (to say the least) about unmeasurable sonic nuances. Still, it made me smile when he got a look at my stuff and marveled that I had equipment with "bottles"! When he passed I found myself building a 2A3 amp almost reflexively.
When I listen to my system.......
As I have stated many times, I listen to the musicianship and the composition. As I listen to SRV, just as an example, there are three musicians working together to create a "performance". How is it that anyone can put tone, sound staging, or anything else with the "sound" before the performance. There is much information on our recordings, and generally, many of these recordings are just so so with the fidelity. In fact, why do many listeners only listen to top notch recordings of higher fidelity, of the "sound", rather than appreciate those qualities I look and listen for. Is it because I was a singer / vocalist in my youth? Is it because I was around musicians who shared the joy of "music"? Is it because at a very early age, I was introduced to big band music and eclectic performances by so many, via my dad (he would have been 100 today; happy birthday dad). Yes, I consider myself an audiophile, because I spend money on gear and am careful with my dedicated room....my system allows me to hear more of the performance. But, it is the "music", the "performance", that matters most to me. I suppose I am feeling a bit nostalgic today, because of my pops. I am bringing this up again, because I do not understand the mentality of folks who listen differently than I. I know this subject might be ad nauseum to many, but some of the folks I used to design systems for, became less interested in the music, and more about the sound, placing the music and performance secondary, or not at all. I am just venting. If you would like to add to this post, I welcome all thoughts. No judgement from me. I wish everyone well. Enjoy! MrD.
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@8th-note Good analogy and one I often use. @ozzy62 + 1 more. @ OP
I've often heard about the bad recordings. and how the stereo which pointed out these bad recordings were accurate. Those which make them sound better are supposedly "colored". I remember starting down this audiophile trail and having albums & CD's that were unlistenable. But as my system has become better and better I have found that these unlistenables became more listenable until I'm not sure I have any vinyl left that doesn't sound pretty good. Of course, I haven't played "Layla" in a long time which may be 6the final test subject. Being a musician also, I also value the musicianship. So it is a balance of ALL the music attributes and a good system brings more music to my liking because of its ability to sound somewhat live instead of a recording
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Most of the modern age speakers tend to be more clinical and revealing with all kinds of detail and somehow people really like this, at least in the show room it’s impressive. But then when they take it back home and say wow this is very fatiguing and where is the enjoyment. My older speakers from 20 years ago can be arguably more enjoyable even though they have less detail qualities. But they certainly have a really nice soundstage and fill the room. So I take to heart with what thread originator is saying in his massive paragraph |
Great comments above. I was not stating my way of listening was the best or right way of listening, although for me, it certainly is. I gave up my career as an audio consultant a bit earlier than I had anticipated, because many customers were more into the equipment and gear (just like a guy on yt who deals with the most expensive available) rather than the music. The music leads me to better gear, not the other way around. I understand all views, and I promise I am not judging....just questioning. When sitting by the pool, the pair of wall hanging Polk Atrium speakers still bring me the joy of music, and there is no problem following the tunes. When in my vehicle, the same. The hobby is wonderful, for whatever the personal goal is. To each his/her own might be....ymmv etc. I appreciate the comments and camaraderie shown here and wish my best to you all. Always, MrD. |
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