2. amps-preamps
  3. 1251400828

Setup vs. Amp/Preamp choice?

Which do you value more?

I've read endless questions re: which amp, preamp,or integrated is best with which speakers. I believe most of that discussion is nonsense for most equipment. True, there are certain electrical synergies between amps and speakers that are important, and preamps certainly sound different. But the absolutely critical factors in determining what a system will sound like are: 1. your own likes and dislikes and 2. setup. I have heard great gear sound terrible and average gear sound fantastic - it really depends on how things were set up in a particular listening room. I've heard people describe a particular integrated amp as having as small soundstage - In my room and with my speakers, the soundstage was vast. I've heard people describe the sound of certain gear as shrill or unlistenable - Well perhaps it is in their setup, but what does that tell me about how it will sound in my room?

Many of you who ask for advice about gear place inordinate value on subjective opinions of individuals with varying tastes, hearing ability, prejudices, rooms and setups. That is completely absurd: The only way to judge how a piece of equipment will sound is to test it in your room after proper setup. And small changes in speaker placement can make a huge difference. So stop running around like a bunch of maniacs who have to switch equipment every few months in search of nirvana, and concentrate on setting up your system properly. That's where the greatest reward is (for everyone except dealers).

Do you agree?
msratty
msratty OP
18 posts
 
The point I'm trying to make is quite simple.

Spend as much time trying out any equipment you want to buy - in your own room (not in a showroom or in a friend's room). Move the speakers a few inches this way and that way, move your listening position, balance reflective and absorptive room materials, check AC polarity, try out different cables, etc. There is no simple way to do this - it takes time and effort. Many of you will be surprised at how your old system, that you may have grown tired of, has now come to life.

A friend of mine has Mac electronics and speakers that set him back about $25k. He couldn't wait to invite me to hear it. He was using a $150 cdp to show me how good it sounds! The speakers were directly in front of a large bay window, with one speaker near a side wall and the other firing into a large open space. There were reflective surfaces everywhere and no damping material (no carpets, sofas, etc) whatsoever. The electronics were right next to the speakers. Needless to say, the sound was dreadful. I tried to tell him that I thought his system was capable of more, and he assured me he was going to replace the $150 cdp with a $5k tubed player. I'll bet the sound of his system won't improve a great after his purchase.

He'd be better off saving his money and fixing the "setup."

Agreed?
msratty OP
18 posts
 
Relax, people. I'm not trying to take your toys away. I'm just asking you to chill out, enjoy what you've got and spend your time listening to the music (rather than obsessing over gear). You'll be a lot happier and richer.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
i believe that 'much' of what drives audiophiles to constantly upgrade, downgrade, gather and purge, is more about whats going on in their heads, then what they are actually hearing.
aptquark
99 posts
 
Jaybo, lol

...and lets try to remember that what goes on in an audiophile's head...should stay in an audiophile's head...get it...like in Vegas? Sorry, bad joke. I'll leave.
unsound
7,327 posts
 
Msratty, I think your stating the obvious. Based upon the years I've been visiting Audiogon, I'm confident that despite the experience you might have had with your friend, the vast majority of Audiogoners are well aware of the importance of room considerations and system setup and the topic and been broached here many times for and by newbies and experienced audiophiles.
That you think that we don't is presumptious. Your posted atttitude about component matching is akin to going on a oenophile site and advising the members that, pouring most wines in most glasses will give them a buzz.
FWIW, most of my gear is over twenty years old, my system hasn't and typicaly doesn't change for years at a time. I frequent Audiogon to avail myself to other possibilities and I try to offer advise based upon my experience with some gear and systems, without presuming that everyone else here doesn't have a clue. I believe that for most, this forum is an aid towards the quest for the best sound one can achieve. For many this journey has many obstacles, including room, immediately available funds, etc., and yes, component matching. Like other hobbyist, some also like to compare items peculuar to the hobby, just for the "fun" of it. While I don't engage in that all that often, I can appreciate that none the less.
I suppose you could have opened this thread as a friendly reminder, but instead it reads (at least by me) as a contemptious diatribe.
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