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In your opinion, what is Hi, Medium and Low end?

Hey All,

I am new to this arena and for all the reading and homework it seems like there is a lot of circumstance out there. It seems that the comment that I see the most is, “…see how it works with your system.” And while this is true about a great many things in life it seems that we are all trying to find a sense for balance for our budget. The other thing that I learned is the spending a lot will not always yield the desired result.

So…regardless of price, here is my question. In your opinion, if your were to put together a system (say something to do it all, as I don’t know about everyone else but I couldn’t afford one for music and one for movies and other activities) in the following three categories: as high medium and low; what would it look like?

Say maybe with the following categories:

1) Processor, Preamp & Amp OR Receiver
2) Sources (CD, Phono or whatever)
3) Cables (Speak, Interconnect and whatever)
4) Power and related products
5) Other tweaks

Did I miss anything? Please feel free to add. :D

There are no motives hear but to learn, I have just bought a bunch of stuff that make me happy and I am just curious or maybe trying to prove that I am not on crack. ;-)

Cheers,

Blu
blu_audio
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Dave,

"Making" yourself hear a difference NEVER works. You need to relax with your own system. Live with a system for a few weeks before ever considering a "tweak".

I agree with that 100%. I I've always advocated long term, relaxed listening. I would even say "listening from the heart" to see if it brings you closer to the music. Almost any change is audible to the well experienced listener.

What throws many people off in this pursuit is described perfectly by Gogirl in her post:

My Dad is forever changing cables. With each new purchase he exclaims "this is so much better."

I think her Dad was indeed hearing differences but confusing change with improvement. Improvements that make music better, providing long term satisfaction requires patience and discipline.

I follow my own advice, only two speaker systems in 19 years, one brand of cable in 21 years and the same preamp and phono for 10 years. Sure, I've listened to dozens of others, but to change I would have to be convinced that I was getting a TRUE upgrade, not just another set of trade off.

Experience is impossible to gain from a forum, other than to educate the listener to exercise care when making a decision. Even so, it's much like trying to find your all time favorite dining spot from reading restaurant reviews.
gogirl
12 posts
 
DC Step>Dave,thank you for your help.
Mr.Porter> I sincerely hope I didn't put you on the spot when I first mentioned your informative post.
I should apologize to my dad.Because I didn't hear difference's I thought that he may have deceived himself by wanting to hear a difference.Well your system certainly exceeds my present budget but it is good to know that in selecting the correct equipment one can still enjoy its sound after 20 years.
As a 24 year old I may be a little late coming to this hobby
but I have a passion for the arts,especially music and I am about to take the plunge.I hope I can count on all you sincere,knowledgable,nonegoist people for help and support.
I thank you all
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
GoGirl, thanks. Experience hearing many rigs/audio systems lets a person get a feel for different equipment and what is possible.

The differences in sound your dad is focusing on are like a woman looking at the stitching on a dress. Men would be completely oblivious to it. Reverse the situation; you could care less, but your dad is analyzing the stereo critically. You have to be brutally honest with yourself. Will you likely turn into a person who wants to sit and scrutinize the sound? If not, then don't stress over it. It's very likely that many, many combinations of gear will thrill you. If that changes over time, then you can play the Upgrade Game.

No special expertise is needed to put together a great stereo (but it's always wise to let the experienced help). But, after you do it a few dozen times you'll get better. Or you can let an "expert" do it for you so that you'll forever be paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake in changing anything. :)
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
24 is NOT a late start. You're proabably ahead of the curve.

Dave
gogirl
12 posts
 
Mr.Schroeder,When you say let the experienced help.It reminds me of my boyfriend buying these big round cylinders because his experienced stereo dealer told him it would improve the bass.It didn't happen.He now tells me he needs sub woofers.
Can audio dealers be trusted.
As for gear,its analog that thrills me,digital chills me.
Did you build the room just for your listening pleasure??
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