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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 2 responses by nrenter

nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
My theory on why some high-end equipment doesn't "get the music right" has nothing to do with the equipment itself, but where that equipment is located.

Rarely have I seen high-end equipment located in an environment that is truely comfortable. I mean, high-end equipment is expensive, and is usually arranged to be shown off. Surrounded by equally exquisite furniture. Set up for a "sweet spot". Perfect. Stuffy. Boring.

But take my friend "Jeff". Jeff is still using the same Technics turntable, Boston Acoustic speakers, and Onkyo receiver that I helped him pick out in High School ('87 I believe). His system is set up in the corner of his unfinished basement. His speakers are asymetrically arranged up on cinder blocks (there is no "sweet spot"). His speaker cable is about the thickness of dental floss. He's got a couple of thrift store chairs set up in no particularly way. I think there is a lamp, but I know there is always incense burning and a longneck Budweiser being offered. Matter of fact, his foam baffles are cracking on his speakers. But...

I can listen to music on his system for hours without wondering if the soundstage is too forward, if the amp is tranparent enough, or if he would be better served by a seperate DAC and transport rather than the $90 Sony CD player he's using.

The only thing that goes through my mind are things like, "Damn...that Neil Young LP is amazing!!!" and "You're right...they do sound influenced by the Velvet Underground."

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." Grab some cinder blocks. Time to run down to the 7-11 to grab a 6-er of Bud.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
"Why do you think it is that you have that experience at Jeff's? And do you ever have it at your place?"

Great follow-up questions.

1) Part of the reason I enjoy an environment like that is because of the company I keep while listening to music in that environment. I like listening to music with someone who is passionate about music. I like to be given a tour of their music collection - allowing them to share music that they are passionate about, and pointing out what makes them passionate about that particular music. Some of my favorite LPs were introduced to me this way.

Also, I have no obligations while listening to other's systems except be a polite and thankful guest (sometimes I'll bring something interesting musically to share, but most of the time I allow the host to DJ). The child running around isn't mine. The dishwasher isn't mine. That pile of clothes that needs to be put away isn't mine. This allows me to relax and bathe in the music. It's a nice escape.

2) When you host a party, you want everything to be perfect. Perfect food. Perfect drink. Great converation. Interesting guests. Etc. You worry about everyone else having a good time that you yourself do not have a good time. I think this may occur when listening to my system with others.

Also, sometimes when listening to my system, I tend to be overanalytical and overcritical of the system and production ofthe music, and not pay as much attention to the music itself. This is a bad habit that I picked up in college while working as a recording engineer. I focused on the mix and not the music (which is very unfortunate because I recorded some great performances from wonderful performers).

Now, would I trade my system for Jeff's? No way in hell. But my point is that the problem lies with me and not my system. Gimme another Bud...that'll fix it all.
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