At times it is alot better...but lots,of times is just the wpc.
At the top of the line is it really all that different?
I'm writing about my experience with the top of the line bespoke gear. Not the insane one-of a kind that I'll never own but the really good stuff that say $50K each will buy.
I have listened to my personal favorite ARC vs. D'Agistino, vs. Bryston vs. Pass vs. the top Macs (no love lost there). Wilson vs. Sonus, vs. Magico vs. Bryston T-10 vs. Maggies (!) vs. Perlisten.
So many cables that I can't recall the names.
I can tell a difference between the voicing of the products at my dealer but the difference is so subtle that in my home they are "nearly" identical. ( I know, I know but I said "nearly")
I read reviews with all the silly superlatives that make the reviewed item sound heavenly and the "other guys" sound like the AM radio in my '67 Mustang.
I have had my ears checked and my audio sensitivity is "age appropriate" I'm 62.
I have 2 listening rooms- one is a dedicated properly treated room and one is a barn sized great room with anterooms on 3 sides. In my dedicated room I'm all alone with my music which can be really lovely but not often visited vs. the great room with my dogs, kids, and wife. I don't do critical listening there but I love full beautiful sound when the ones I love most are near.
So, I would really appreciate thoughtful guidance to my quandary- is top end gear crowding at the top of the pyramid with very little difference? Are the glowing reviews colored or even deceptively presented? Or maybe I'm growing weary of very little cost/benefit improvements as I climb the audio ladder .....please advise.
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A really great question, and a lot of thoughtful responses. One thing I’d add is it also depends on how you listen. I’m often astonished at how much I can enjoy a wide variety of completely different systems. I have a friend who primarily listens alone, and prioritizes detail, frequency extremes, and soundstage (and has a lot of money). So he’s a digital guy with Wilson Sasha Vs, Wilson Loke subs and Simaudio top-of-the-line separates. I do my more serious listening in a more social environment, with a friend or two sipping brown liquor, and no one in the exact sweet spot. And I’m a midrange/tonality guy - and I suspect I’m a little bit sensitive to phase coherence. So I do vinyl, with relatively low powered tube amps and simple, efficient speakers. I love my friend’s system and can hear and appreciate its differences from mine. But when I listen the way I listen, I actually just prefer my system, which at current MSRP would probably cost half, or less, the cost of his. I’m not trying to identify the tinkling of the crystal on the tables in the club; I’m just focused on emotional engagement with the music. Don’t get me wrong, the presence of the tinkling crystal can help to establish the vibe of the club, which in turn can connect me to the music, but for me its emphasis is much less important. |
And here I am going to shamelessly quote myself from another thread
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No. Their sounds are over-rated. Listen to multi $million and low budget systems. Alex/WTA https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YgU397PPzpA https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U-7MwmA2a1c https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GNnE6xeCwAg |
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