Details don't mean a thing

IMHO you can't get too much real detail HOWEVER, what is peddled as "more detail and more highly resolving" which is usually said in conjunction with "expanded stage and depth of image" is, more often than not,nothing more that either a slight recess in the mid-range/and or a slight elevation in the uppermid/highs, either of which will make the equipment "sound" to the inexperienced as if there is more detail present. While this engineering practice is nominal on any specific piece of equipement so many manufacturers are doing it that, cumulatively, it become very unmusical. It ain't just CDP's and DAC's - cartridges, amps, pre amps, speakers, and wires, all participate. That is why folks talk about synergy. I've been in analog a long time and while it CAN sound better I've been able to tune in a CD system that also lets me enjoy well recorded CD's without drawing any attention to the medium. None of it is perfect by a long shot.

Often detail (and high-frequency extension) comes at the expense of sibilance. I have had a number of customers that extended the frequency response of their systems, only to find that some other component or cable was causeing sibilance that was previously masked by the system roll-off. Also, improving HF dynamics can aggravate sibilance in components that are prone to sibilance because of thier poor design. The way to achieve detail without sibilance is to mod practically everything in your system. Even my speakers are modded - they caused sibilance as well.

Well said Newbee, I agree. Your posts always get to the crab-legs!!!

Dave

I guess I was a bit frustrated when I made my comment.
I don't mean to take on the extreme stand on the matter.
I agree with all your responses.
Detail is good if handled correctly but that is a HUGH "if".
I really don't have unlimitted amount of resources and time to try out all possible combination before I get it right.
If handled correctly then music will flow out from your system as if there is nothing but you and the music. If not done right then you already know how messy it can get.

As mention from other post, synergy is everything. But the problem is that not all manufactures made the entire range of equipment from Cdp to speakers. There are a few out there but they may not be what you want. So it's still very diffifcult mix and match ...

The next best thing is to chose an Amp/cdp combo that has the sound you like. Then find a pair of speakers that will complement your amp/cdp.
Cables should come last. But this is just my opinion.

Andy2, I totally agree with you. Hyper-detailed systems make me grind my teeth. If you want real warmth, forget looking for a warmer cd player, go buy a turntable.