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Disturbing "Sonic Trend" showing up on SOTA audio


Exaggerated high frequencies and etch = "details"

Biting unnatural attacks = "fast transient response"

Unnaturally dry bass = "taut" and “tight”

This is what I hear at shows, homes, and stores, over the last several years!

Have "new" audiophiles lost their way, in relation to what "natural sound" of "non-amplified acoustic" music sounds like?

This "type" of sound is increasingly selling as current "State of Art".

Audio has more BS, and nonsense, than any hobby that I know of!

And as "Crazy" becomes acceptable, it drives more "Crazy".

I have been in this hobby since the 70's and heard it all.

Maybe those that kept their older systems, and got off the "marry-go-round", of latest and most expensive is best, are the most intelligent!
don_c55
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
I agree Don, and fortunately there is lots of gear that is natural sounding, so it's really a personal choice.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Get off my lawn!
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Audio is a funny hobby; I'm having the exact opposite experience currently. I'm testing out some Pascal based Class D amps, and the resolution, tonal richness, "air" and reverberation, in short, the entire package so much more corporeal - is so intoxicatingly pure, the detail so natural sounding that my thought is, "You mean to tell me there has been THAT MUCH distortion masquerading as "fullness" in audio systems all this time?!

I have not put up slouch systems over the past ten years, but oh, goodness, I couldn't disagree with you more. I think you have created three false dichotomies regarding parameters of sound quality where none exist. :)

If I had to return to vintage gear, it would be really, really disappointing, even to the degree I would lose interest in listening. I occasionally put up vintage systems and unfailingly they sound lifeless, flat, unconvincing. It would be like returning to black and white TV.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Not the equipment, its the buyers. Many/most have never heard live acoustic ,unamplified music played by a 1st rate ensemble .
Point of reference is the PA system at a rock concert .

A natural sounding piece of equipment sounds unnatural to them.
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