In-Depth Explanation of the Audio Term "Synergy"


Hello: I've read and heard the term "synergy" bandied about frequently since getting into audio. Just the other day, an audiophile friend of mine said in an email. "Regardless of gear brand, I feel synergy is the most important thing to try and achieve really." This term "synergy" gets thrown around often and very easily. Most often I've heard this term used in the phrase, "amplifier-speaker synergy is the most important element of an audio system." I've always felt that if you put together a system and it sounds good to you or sounds "right", you have a system with amp/speaker synergy. I also felt that if your amplifier works with your speakers as it is designed without straining, clipping, running too hot, remaining stable etc., and produces good sonics with your speakers, then you have achieved synergy between your amp and speakers. I do an awful lot of research on the internet for all things audio (much to my wife's chagrin) and I've read several articles that discuss synergy. None of the articles I've read give a definitive and in-depth explanation of what "synergy" between a power amplifier or integrated amplifier and the speakers connected to it actually entails. So, I'm asking other audiophiles: What does "synergy" between an amplifier and speakers actually entail? Does anyone really know, or is this just one of those generalities that audiophiles put out there? What elements are really involved when synergy exists between the amplifier and speakers? I've always been curious about this subject
foster_9
It appears that indeed this is turning into a discussion of semantics. BTW, what does semantics mean? The answer to that question will explain why I say that the use of 'synergistic' to describe certain characteristics of an audio system is the wrong use of that word.
With respect,
Bob P.
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Tvad explains it exactly as I see it - and you can even go beyond great food and great stereos to great orchestras, great paintings, great speeches, great cars, great houses, great landscapes, great music, great etc. It is what differentiates the "great" from the "good."
ggentlemen:

i think i have it. synergy in audio system is cooperation among the components of an audio system producing a sound, which you the listener likes.

thus if you and i are listening to the same stereo system, we might disagree as to whether synergy exists.

i guess in the final analysis it's more important to enjoy music when listening to a recording than to be concerned about system synergy.