Top 3 most of overrate components: 1.)Any expensive line stage, either tube or solid state (but esp.solid state)... We don't NEED no stinkin' line stages! (See underrated components below). (2)Krell amps...I'm sure they can be stunning in the right system-I just haven't heard that system yet. (3.)Martin Logan speakers...despite their transparency, they just plain don't sound natural, somehow.
Once again, maybe in the right system, I just haven't heard that system.
Three most underrated components. (1.)FT Audio LW-1 passive preamp. This little wonder gets around the usual limitations of passive pre's, and smokes a lot of kilobuck line stages, for $500.00. (2.)Magnepan MMG's. Though already spoken pretty highly of, these things are an insanely great pr. of speakers for $500.00. No doubt they rule that price range. As a matter of fact, I've yet to hear a monkey coffin (box speaker) that I like better, in my room. Those who've had equivocal experiences with them probably had midfi HT receivers of them upstream-these things WILL reveal to you flaws in your source components. Plus they're demanding as to room placement, but well worth the work. (3.)Anything that says "Music Reference" on it. Designer Paul Modjeski is probably one of the brightest ones out there-his equipment makes music, doesn't cost a lot for what you get, and it doesn't break.
Once again, maybe in the right system, I just haven't heard that system.
Three most underrated components. (1.)FT Audio LW-1 passive preamp. This little wonder gets around the usual limitations of passive pre's, and smokes a lot of kilobuck line stages, for $500.00. (2.)Magnepan MMG's. Though already spoken pretty highly of, these things are an insanely great pr. of speakers for $500.00. No doubt they rule that price range. As a matter of fact, I've yet to hear a monkey coffin (box speaker) that I like better, in my room. Those who've had equivocal experiences with them probably had midfi HT receivers of them upstream-these things WILL reveal to you flaws in your source components. Plus they're demanding as to room placement, but well worth the work. (3.)Anything that says "Music Reference" on it. Designer Paul Modjeski is probably one of the brightest ones out there-his equipment makes music, doesn't cost a lot for what you get, and it doesn't break.
