2. music
  3. 1229831897

How to reproduce sound of piano


I currently own a decent rig, Mac MA 2275, AP Sparks, Marantz 8001, Rega Apollo, Benchmark DAC w/ Squeezebox Duet. I love the way it sounds with jazz, voice, orchestral works and also it's decent with chamber music.

But I find when I'm listening to piano solo performances it doesn't quite sound nearly good as the live instrument. This is too bad because I mainly listen to classical piano works. I want to build a new system from scratch dedicated to listen to solo piano works as well as piano conertos.
I don't care for "warmth", "timbre", "soundstage" or other loaded audiophile terms. Just want absolutely accurate piano reproduction as possible.

What qualities should I look for? Analog vs digital source. Solid state vs tube amp? I find my tube amp unable to keep up with technical masters as Pollini or Horowitz. But will going to SS take away from the performces of more romantic pianists like Kempf and Zimerman? As for speakers, I never heard of a speaker capable of reproducing the deep bass of a 9ft+ concert Steinway grand. Are electrostatics way to go? My budget is around $25K USD. Thanks for any feedback.
plaser

Showing 1 response by bongofury

bongofury
1,160 posts
 
I agree with Shadorne on the ATC Actives. Very convincing in their reproduction, and because they are active, you can buy a minimal amount of gear to support them. I prefer Bryston solid state pre-amps with them and you could keep or enhance your source components.

If you wish to migrate to a warmer, tube sound: Two other tube systems that sound great are top-of-line Opera speakers with Unico Research tube components, or the new Harbeth 40.1 speakers with a good Japanese tube company (audition Leben, Shindo or Almarro.)
More to discover