So how can a great system solve less than great recordings


It seems no matter how good a system is, the quality of recording quality takes priority.

Formsome reason nobody talks about challenges of making older recordings sound better.  Classics from 70s and 80s are amazing tunes, but even remastered editions still cant make sound qualiity shortcomings all better.  Profoundly sad.  Some older stuff sounds quite good but lots of stuff is disturbing.


jumia

Showing 5 responses by mglik

Just celebrated my 50th year of audiophilia.
With some luck, dedication and, gratefully, this Forum I have evolved my analog only system to a place where there is no such thing as an unlistenable record. All are enjoyable... some more than others.
The most significant evolution came with the addition of my AGD Audions. They were brought to my attention by several Forum member’s rave comments. Then, checking the reviewers, they constantly use the rare phrase “best regardless of price”. I was inspired to order a pair. Unbelievable! Not only the “right on” tone and SQ, I hear something never heard. I hear the musician’s phrasing. Music is made up of phrases tied together. To clearly hear the beginning, end and nuance-the humanness! I always liked Ella but only now do I fully understand her greatness hearing her phrasing. And this critical essence of music is evident in every record. For sure, my speakers, front end, cables and power all contribute. But the real change came with AGD.
Thanks audiorusty,
I have always shied away from any signal processing. Even tone controls. I don't even have a separate phono stage using the one built in to my preamp. K.I.S.S.
For my analog only system, by getting more out of the groves, each upgrade improves my enjoyment. Surely, even unlistenable LPs prior sound good now and, yes, good recordings sound even better.
This is the case for front end and other upgrades.
Yes, it was $13K, but the improvement in SQ with the Lyra Atlas SL makes ALL my record collection great. By pulling out so much information out of the groves, I love every LP. Sure, the rest of my front end is a match but a world class cartridge has brought a world class sound.
Now playing one of my two Better Records. Yes, it is a big step up.
OK, they are worth it. Now more than ever! Goes from the sound of humans to the sound of G-d. A religious experience.
But I still look forward to every “regular” record.
Introducing my Woodsong Garrard 301 inspired me to upgrade every other component. It may not be the best but it has a drive and life-like sound that is addictive. Especially now with the Lyra, Triplanar arm and Atma-Sphere MP-1. The $28K MP-1 is among the only uber preamp that was designed to be full featured with phono stage dedicated to the ultimate vinyl playback.
With my AGD Audion mono blocks and Tetra 606 speakers, even with formerly poor recordings, I am in Audio nervana.