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"Trickle up" theory

I notice that while all my cheap 'tables time well, many expensive ones do not. I'm tired of this "trickle-down" crap the audio press feed us, thus implying that all the more expensive equipment is intrinsically superior to the budget equipment, and in the process training us to want all that expensive equipment which is so "superior." The fact of the matter is, that most budget equipment gets the music right, if with various distortions (for instance my sister's cheap Sony ghetto-blaster always makes me want to dance), and that what is actually needed is "trickle up", a preservation of the essential timing of music which budget components so often get right. I am not saying that all high-end equipment is crap - some, like Conrad-Johnson, excel at this musical magic - but the fact is a large number of high-end manufacturers need to examine what makes the budget equipment so musical (that magic which came from the first quality budget components which got us hooked on this hobby in the first place), and apply it to their cost-no-object creations! We need that musical magic to go along with all that tonal correctness and detail. Raise your hands all those who bought expensive equipment only to end up missing their cheaper components. My only purpose in writing these things is to advance the sate of the art, by encouraging a re-examination of the way we think about things. Looking at things from different angles is how to gain the fresh outlook needed for new ideas, and an improvement of the art. And also ensure that the next peice I buy will have the magic first, and all the audiophile goodies after.
johnnantais

Showing 3 responses by 4yanx

4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I am borderline shocked that you'd think there is anyone left on this site who is not thoroughly aware of your position with respect to this subject, John. :-)

Now, don't get me wrong. I am all for DIY stuff (I have a few myself) and am all for a bargain. I will take equal performace for a dime instead of a dollar most any day.

Certainly there are high-end components with high-end prices that talk a better talk than the walk they walk. On the other hand, casting a net over most of the lot is also a disservice. Just as it is wrong to say that all (or even most) low or moderately priced equipment is junk, so is it wrong to say that all (or even most) equipment which most of us cannot afford is over priced or "sterile". As much as I would hate to have someone look down their collective snout at me for having a 70's Sony tuner which performs as well as some much higher priced tuners, so do I hate the inference that I was stupid or foolish to lay out a grand-and-a-half for my Spacedeck instead of cobbling together, say, an old Lenco.

The idea that most lower end equipment provides better musicality than high end stuff is clearly a matter of debate - and based on VERY SUBJECTIVE impressions, to boot. While I have not owned equipment that is in the price stratosphere as many on this site, I have owned a TON of stuff ranging from a low-budget Rotel amp to a $2.7K McCormack amp. I can't share your impression that the McCormack could take lessons from the Rotel. :-)

If folks want to spend as I have or thousands more, who cares? As long as THEY are happy, big deal. It is their money. Doubt you'll sway many on this site who don't already share your views, anyway. :-)
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Tried to be somewhat light-spirited and “jestful” while still making what I consider a salient point and tried to indicate so by placing several :-)’s but you’ve obviously taken things very personally given your personally pointed response. As such, I will say:

1) I'll wager you've never heard a Spacedeck. Clearly you haven't based on your discussion of "timing" which the 'Nots do exceedingly well (try timing one), while I have heard more than one Lenco.

2) You've made a point to avoid the belt-drive vs. idler wheel-drive debate? Please.

3) When you say the following "I anticipated your type when I wrote ..", you really say it all and expose yourself fully.

My type? - you don't have a clue what my "type" is, especially based on the little I've written here regarding stuff I've built (successes and failures). I may well have begun in this hobby before you were a glimmer and may well have put together more lower priced table and arm combos in my day than you can imagine. But, you'll never truly find out since you’ve already determined "my type". If you ever saw the stuff in my music room you'd quickly realize just how off-base you are. Is my Spacedeck, end all? Certainly not. Could its performance be approached by something cheaper? Always the possibility. OTOH, it gives me the performance I love at a price I think is reasonable and it doesn’t force me back to my days of fiddle farting around, which I don’t have the desire to do anymore. Having done so myself I would never discount anyone's ambition to do such, so please spare me your “stifling creativity” or “thwarting discussion” theory. While I encourage those with the inclination to tinker to go for it, I take umbrage at being denigrated for not doing so.

Have fun with your Lenco projects. I truly hope that these things work out for you and for others and that you will gain immense pleasure in listening to the music and gaining an added satisfaction of having built something yourself (perhaps many for the first time). In the end, however, it is ALL about the satisfaction derived - whether you've spent $50 or $5000. If you can get your kicks having spent less, fine, feel free to wear a smug smile, just don’t expect everyone to notice. End-o-rant! ;-)
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
NRenter sez:

"Maybe we need to listen to more music while lying on the floor, studying the LP cover like we used to "back in the day.""

I'll second the suggestion of a large dose of THAT! :-)
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