Critiques of Equipment

As a follow up, I don't look for threads by certain individuals, therefore I read a pretty good cross-section of notes by different people.

It just struck me this morning as I was reading the various comments on the Sony DVP-9000ES. The unit was getting trashed pretty good playing CD's and I couldn't figure out if the comments were directed to it as a transport or player or both. I got frustrated.

Regardless of the digital front end, my personal experience is the amp, the processor, the room acoustics, the speaker placement all seemed to have a more significant impact on what I have heard. Granted, I have only been somewhat serious for 3 years, but I've been to a lot of sound rooms in NY, MA, MN, MI, CT, and NJ during that time. One thing was certain to me, the same speakers sounded different in every location I visited. Additionally, I think it was Wilson, with a great sounding set-up, who used an IPod (without letting the listener know) at a A/V show trying to prove that the digital front end was less important. I guess that's a whole different topic though!

Quicke, I think you have used your three years well and have reached some valid conclusions regarding equipment and room synergy. Many on this forum are not nearly so advanced .....yet they do not let that deter them from offering their opinions, nor should they. Thats how they will learn.

One thing you might want to consider before you reach any conclusions about the value of the source, Lp or CD, is that in a well balanced (synergistic) set up, which is at all revealing, the sources become critical.

The difference in sources may be more subtle, but not less critical to those who care. (Think about how some music lovers love one performers version over another's by some margin and you can't tell the difference because you are not familar with the music, or you don't like the music and couldn't care less. Because you haven't developed a sophisticated knowledge yet and can't hear the differences doesn't mean that they don't exist and/or are not important).

While you may have loved the Wilsons and the Ipod, wouldn't it have been fun if they also had a TT system and a CD system connected, all balanced to match the rest of the system, so you could compare the differences and added value of each over the other?

I would agree that it might be easier to find a synergistic source than, say a room/speaker/amp interface. But just 'cause its easier, doesn't make it less important.

FWIW

FWIW I have never heard as much of a difference between digital front ends as I expected. I have heard a few over the years and have always walked away thinking is it me or what. People slam certain players and say this smokes that or vise versa but I am sorry I to this day just don't hear it. Now pre-amps, amps, cables and room acoustics........yes, I have heard sustantial differences.

Chuck

Newbee, Chuck is right, its a general comments, not
directed to anyone.No offense here. Enjoy the music.
You will be surprise,How many friends I met here at
Agon.

Newbee, I do agree with you,you are so right.I do read
your post, and I do learn from them.