It's like a car that only drives well on quiet perfect straight roads in sunny weather using 95 octane gasoline at 50 miles per hour and needing service every 1000 miles at most. In some cases it will do but, generally speaking, it is, if you will forgive this, ridiculous. Atmashere was very very polite. |
Charles, I was not talking about the OP's situation and preferences. My car analogy was intentionally grotesque and should be taken as such. I wanted to emphasize particular points not discuss the subjectivity of one's happiness.
I too could have SET low power amp based system but that would not be my main system.
Let's not drown in subjectivity because that would be the end of a potentially interesting discussion. Most of the time Audiogon is a very boring place. |
Charles, of course it's an emotional experience and I would be the first one to defend the subjectivity, I just invited everyone not to get cocooned in it while communicating and conveying certain aspects of the subjectivity. Even each instrument has its own 'subjectivity', in a manner of speaking, its own unique voice. However, low powered system, or an instrument, would have too many limitations, and no matter how great it may at times sound, this would not be enough for me. Speaking of instruments, the greatest I've ever heard was a Conti custom guitar played by Paco de Lucia. Yes, it was made as a flamenco guitar not classical or blues guitar, but I am quite certain it would play anything extremely well. If it was still a compromise - it was a great one. Anyone heard Amati or Stradivarius ? |
Also, power is felt. Listen to the same music with the same 105 db speakers at the same db level, not loud, with equal quality amps that have different power capabilities, and there will be a difference.
That's why live music sounds so different - it has the power that cannot so far be either fully captured on the recording or reproduced.
Yes, certain aspects of midrange are best reproduced by particular design amps, but not all aspects. And there are other frequences and other things that are much more important. Sophisticated textures are great but other aspects far outweigh this. |
The idea would be to upgrade my Redgum integrated with better integrated, preferably with Symphonic Line or Gryphon, or perhaps Gamut or Vitus. I also would like to replace my AcousTech phono with a tube one, an excellent tube one, Lamm or VAC etc. And then go with top level separates. I guess, Ypsilon will be out of reach unless one day I can find a used integrated. Still, I would most likely prefer Lamm of VAC or Atma-Shere separates to Ypsilon integrated, or it just might be different. |
Hi Charles,
Yes, I would prefer high powered tube or hybrid amp. However, ideally I would have two different systems. One system is a compromise too. The music I listen to varies from acoustic guitar and vocal to world music to jazz fusion. The amp doesn't have to be insanely powerful, just great 100 watts and efficient enough speakers. For medium size room this would be just right.
Symphonic Line I might try too later if I can find it, or older Gryphon, before I go with tubes or Lamm hybrid.
I appreciate your input too and understand , I think, what you are saying. |
Larry,
Thank you. Never heard of Vinni Rossi. Zanden is very high end.
Charles,
Concert Fidelity, are they more to your taste or mine as you see it? Or both? |
Ami, that's one of the things that I said - two very different systems.
Charles, of course I like what you do as well. But that's not all. Even flamenco music requires speed an drive let alone Mahavishnu Orchestra's jazz fusion. Bass is important too. Not exaggerated, but just as it was recorded.
It does appear that I strongly gravitate to Lamm/Atma-Sphere camp. Never heard VAC or Allnic let alone Ypsilon and Absolare. |
Charles, if I may ask, what kind of music do you mostly listen to ? Classical ? I am very familiar with live classical music especially big orchestra and opera music. I don't listen to it but I know how it should sound. |
Charles, I took a look at your page. You appear to be into classical jazz a lot. What analogue source do you use, I didn't see any ? |
I see. If your system sounds great with digital it would sound beyond that with analog. I know that you know it. |
Yes, here we do have a profound disagreement. I even believe that only analog tape sounds right. Many do too. |
