Thanks folks. I especially appreciate the comments of Bob-bundus, Jameswei, and Pbb. What I think I'm hearing is that I'm after greater dynamic range?
There were a couple of suggestions I'd like to comment on. The first is using processors. I'm afraid of processors. I've found they blur the music rather than sharpen it. My only experience with sound processors has been surround-sound, DSP, and reverb. I hate reverb. To me, listening to music with reverb is like eating filet mignon with manure on it. Sure, the filet is going to turn to manure sooner or later, but don't add any to it to start with.
And BTW, wasn't that the reason for 5-channel digital? To quit trying to artificially construct the "real" feel of music without the added coloration of DSP? Or is 5-channel a home theatre gimmick? If it's a gimmick, I got snookered.
I'm not sure how a dynamic range expander works, but I like the idea of an equalizer. Unfortunately, I've found an equalizer setting that works for one genre is terrible with another, or even between recording companies.
Second comment. I bought the Parasound because it was a relatively inexpensive, high current amp that I thought could provide the sharp transients of percussion. I still think it was a good purchase. It's a world better than the HK, which was two worlds better than the JVC I owned three years ago. Regardless, thank you all for sticking to the no-"scrap it all"-rule.
Third, my system does sound best a loud volume, but it's too loud for the little room. It's also a very brassy sound. I'm guessing the tile floor, picture window, french doors, and leather sofa don't help that much.
Lastly, my speakers do sound better with the grills off. Likewise, my car gets better gas mileage and runs faster with a fresh coat of wax.
But seriously, the dynamic range expander idea intrigues me. Can it help or is it foolishness? Or would it be better to get different speakers, even if restricted to under $1000 a pair (and the crowd laughed)?
There were a couple of suggestions I'd like to comment on. The first is using processors. I'm afraid of processors. I've found they blur the music rather than sharpen it. My only experience with sound processors has been surround-sound, DSP, and reverb. I hate reverb. To me, listening to music with reverb is like eating filet mignon with manure on it. Sure, the filet is going to turn to manure sooner or later, but don't add any to it to start with.
And BTW, wasn't that the reason for 5-channel digital? To quit trying to artificially construct the "real" feel of music without the added coloration of DSP? Or is 5-channel a home theatre gimmick? If it's a gimmick, I got snookered.
I'm not sure how a dynamic range expander works, but I like the idea of an equalizer. Unfortunately, I've found an equalizer setting that works for one genre is terrible with another, or even between recording companies.
Second comment. I bought the Parasound because it was a relatively inexpensive, high current amp that I thought could provide the sharp transients of percussion. I still think it was a good purchase. It's a world better than the HK, which was two worlds better than the JVC I owned three years ago. Regardless, thank you all for sticking to the no-"scrap it all"-rule.
Third, my system does sound best a loud volume, but it's too loud for the little room. It's also a very brassy sound. I'm guessing the tile floor, picture window, french doors, and leather sofa don't help that much.
Lastly, my speakers do sound better with the grills off. Likewise, my car gets better gas mileage and runs faster with a fresh coat of wax.
But seriously, the dynamic range expander idea intrigues me. Can it help or is it foolishness? Or would it be better to get different speakers, even if restricted to under $1000 a pair (and the crowd laughed)?