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Can HI FI components really make music?

Hello everyone. I am posting this question possibly a bit early but I am getting frustrated and am about to throw in the towel, sell everything and buy a Bose wave radio and call it good. My question is does a good HI FI system ever really sound like live music? At this point I think not. I have been in this hobby for about 7 years and just can't seem to get there. Even the system at the local "hi end" dealer does not come close to live music. My system has evolved over the years to the following:

Wadia 861 CD
VTL MB 125 mono blocks
Supratek Chennin Pre
(2) Vandy 2WQ subs
Vandy 3A Sig
Cardas Golden Cross inter con
Kimber Bifocal XL spk cable
Vandy model 5 Xover

All this gear is in a 13x35x8 room. Although the sound is quite good. Better than most any other system Ive heard it still has a long way to go. In all fairness the 3As are not completely broken in but I dont think they will improve to the extent I want them to over the course of the next 30 hrs. My dealers solution is that I should get rid of the Supratek and replace with a VTL 5.5. I dont think so. Been there done that. Although the VTL is decent it cant compete with the Supra.

At this point I think maybe the VTL 125s are just not sophisticated or powerful enough to give me the sound Im looking for. I think they are the weak link along with cabling. I stated earlyer that the dealers system doesnt do it for me either and I think that may be due to the fact that their biggest amp is 185 wpc. Im thinking maybe a sophisticated amp with say 400 wpc might get me there with the 3As. I dont know... but I am not willing to spend 100K to what I want nor could I afford to.

For those of you that are still with me any and all input welcome. I am not one of those thin skinned audiophiles that cries like a baby when someone has the audacity to insult their precious gear. So fire away.

Thanks
braro

Showing 7 responses by sheffb

sheffb
64 posts
 
After 40 yrs. of this audiophile game, I am enjoying simulation of live music, probably 75% of the time. The secret, I feel is fine tuning after lots of direction and home work. The mini stealth AC purifier, aurios and sistrum stands all made major improvements toward realism. I use all JPS audio wires which in my system really added to the realism. I use Chapman prototype Q6 speakers which the manufacture (Stuart Jones) says are the most accurate speakers he has built in 35 years. The GamuT CD1R I use seems to read everything on the CD mwith its method of oversampling. The most refining component for my system, which seemed to make the leap to reality was my deHavilland Mercury preamp. Jazz and Opera definitely approch the live performance which I have compared on various occasions. Large pchestral works can appoach live performances also. With a prayer I think the effert is worth it. The other thing I have found is more expensive is not necessarily better.
sheffb
64 posts
 
After 40 yrs. of this audiophile game, I am enjoying simulation of live music, probably 75% of the time. The secret, I feel is fine tuning after lots of direction and home work. The mini stealth AC purifier, aurios and sistrum stands all made major improvements toward realism. I use all JPS audio wires which in my system really added to the realism. I use Chapman prototype Q6 speakers which the manufacture (Stuart Jones) says are the most accurate speakers he has built in 35 years. The GamuT CD1R I use seems to read everything on the CD with its method of oversampling. The most refining component for my system, which seemed to make the leap to reality was my deHavilland Mercury preamp. Jazz and Opera definitely approch the live performance which I have compared on various occasions. Large orchestral works can appoach live performances also. With a prayer I think the effert is worth it. The other thing I have found is more expensive is not necessarily better.
sheffb
64 posts
 
Braro, I wrote earlier about my system. Now that I know you like jazz which I love, some suggestions which may be nothing new to you. The JVC XRCD jazz remasters are usually terrific. Most sound live in my system. Also many labals ie Columbia/Legacy, Blue Note, Verve have done a wonderful job remastering the classic greats from late 50s and 60s. The 20 and 24 bit remasters are particularly excellent. Usually the studio recordings are better but not always. On another subject, the PowerWing AC purifier "brass" edition not only refines the sound but will push your performance back further in the stage which might help you. Please read review by Dave Clark and Robert Levi, Positive Feedback, issue 8 on the net. I'm sure Alan the designer will lend you one to try. Of course I love my audio magic mini stealth which they burn-in before they ever send it to you. These two AC purifiers take nasty "grit" out of your system. The sound is then much cleaner and purer and you can never go back. Even my $3500 JPS Labs Aluminati Power Cord sounds better plugged into the Mini Stealth!
sheffb
64 posts
 
I am very pleased with my GamuT CD1R for source, but if you are looking for perfection, the Reimyo 777 CDP probably would take you another step beyond the Wadia 861. From my experience, when you finally get your system fine tuned, nearly live music results. I can truly say I experience it. I was at the St. Louis Jazz festival a couple weeks ago, at the Opera a month ago and live performance of My Fair Lady last weekend. I listened to same jazz performers at home, Madame Butterfly at home and Sound of Music at home which sounded just about as good to me. I am sure there are many better systems out there, but my argument is you can approach live music at home. It is not impossible. From what I know your speakers, however may be somewhat veiled. I predict if you put your speakers on sistrum stands, you would be amazed the improved clarity
sheffb
64 posts
 
My apology on my mis-statement regarding the 3A Sig. possible veiling. I was thinking of an earlier vintage Vandy. I still recommend the Star Sound sistrum platform appropriate for your size speaker. It can make a big difference. Product is guarenteed.
sheffb
64 posts
 
If you really enjoy music, I would recommend more then background music. You could rebuild a simple system after researching which would be emotionally involving to listen to at more exciting volumes without being critical. My system lends itself to just enjoying the music. I do not have a very expensive system, but one which is painstakingly put together. I believe many music lovers out there have systems they enjoy. In my particular system, I believe a few things have made a real difference.
1. A CDP with very low jitter distortion aided by a digital filter in the AC line. Excellent mechanical isolation.
2. Much of my collection are JVC XR CDs which are phenominally musical.
3. My preamp and amp both have single voicing with only one output device per channel
4. My speakers were designed meticulosly for seemless 3 dimensional silky reproduction.
5. Proper AC line purification has helped a great deal
6. Sistrum speaker stands made a real difference.

The secret is focusing more on the music and less on the system, but the state of the art is too good to throw in the towel. My system has no glare, edge, haze, grit, brightness, veiling, dullness, dryness, coldness, overly sweet or overly warm, mechanical, "digital sounding" or any of those negative qualities. It just sounds, natural, nonfatiguing, musical with nice bloom, harmonically rich and accurate timbre. I suspect there are thousands out there with similar results. Please don't give up!
sheffb
64 posts
 
Herman, my speakers are Chapman Q6 three way towers. I have reviewed them on Audiogon and the other forum. The address and telephone number of the manufacturer are included. These were prototype speakers two years ago, but since then Stuart Jones made a pair for himself and a few other old customers. He does not sell through dealers nor advertise at this time to my knowlege. He said he was planning a web site. Stuart is very amiable, knowlegeable and I feel sure would be happy to talk to any audiophile on the phone. His speakers are well priced. He uses state of the art components. The Chapman T7s have been reviewed and well liked; also his former flagship the Q7s are even better,but the Q6s are probably his best accomplishment in 35 years because he has acheived better more three demensional imaging and sound staging. These are silky smooth organic sounding speakers, also. Just very natural.
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