TOO MANY variables influence sound production. However to me the most important involve the original source material (CD Vinyl DVD etc), understanding your room acoustics, the quality of your speakers (they are the main transducers after all, spend your money here). Good ones are easy to pick out. Also a good amp and preamp. I say good because
amps long ago reached the "start of the art". However it should match your speakers well and you should LIKE the sound. Finally if you are into vinyl a decent turntable and especially a first rate cartridge are big factors in how well vinyl will sound.
You really need to play around with speaker placement to get the best sound in a given room. Acoustical engineers will always tell you that in setting up a theater sound analysis is paramount.
Personally I think that an excellent system can be had for far less than the super high end and that the law of diminishing returns
sets in fast after you spend $30,000 for speakers, amp/preamp and
input devices.
One last thing, if you have poor cables or your power is of questionable quality you will never be happy in my opinion.
Finally, many of us are a bit obsessive and consequently are never
quite happy with our systems. That's OK but the industry counts
on that personalty trait to sell the next big thing. So most of all just ENJOY THE MUSIC.
amps long ago reached the "start of the art". However it should match your speakers well and you should LIKE the sound. Finally if you are into vinyl a decent turntable and especially a first rate cartridge are big factors in how well vinyl will sound.
You really need to play around with speaker placement to get the best sound in a given room. Acoustical engineers will always tell you that in setting up a theater sound analysis is paramount.
Personally I think that an excellent system can be had for far less than the super high end and that the law of diminishing returns
sets in fast after you spend $30,000 for speakers, amp/preamp and
input devices.
One last thing, if you have poor cables or your power is of questionable quality you will never be happy in my opinion.
Finally, many of us are a bit obsessive and consequently are never
quite happy with our systems. That's OK but the industry counts
on that personalty trait to sell the next big thing. So most of all just ENJOY THE MUSIC.