The Best Midrange in the World Right Now



There seem to be a growing number of posts which lament the fact that hi fi has gotten too hi fi, too neurotic, and just doesn't sound good.

As I thought about this, I realized that many of the most enduring, classic audio products (Quads? LS35a's? ARC tube amps & preamps? Apogees?) were noted not for their "transparency", thunderous bass, "resolution" or high frequency "extension".

No, what seems to have stood the test of time was old fashioned, middle of the road MIDrange. Is midrange the best benchmark for our hobby?

In many threads, a mention of midrange seems almost quaint and/or apologetic:

" the classic ________ doesn't have the "resolution" of many of today's products in the $150 to $200,000 category, but it still boasts MIDrange which will put all of them to shame!.."

I find this very curious, as to me, there is no high end without glorious, gorgeous, natural, startlingly lifelike MIDrange.

Please, support midrange.

And tell us: what components or combination of components can still deliver good old fashioned midrange today?
cwlondon

Showing 2 responses by dsc

I don't know about the "best in the world" but you would have to work very hard to beat the midrange magic of my system: Spendor Classic 2/3 speakers and the Eastern Electric M520 tubed integrated amplifier. I also use the PrimaLuna Prologue II amplifier and the midrange is the same: glorious !
Pawlowski6132:

I like your system. Like mine, it's not crazy expensive but gives you 90% of what music lovers would accept as great sound. Pursuing the other 10% isn't worth the expense.

By the way, my main system includes:

Spendor Classic 2/3 speakers
Eastern Electric M520 tubed integrated amplifier
REL Strata III subwoofer
Regal Apollo (transport)
Bel Canto DAC 2 (with Stereovox digital interconnect)
Rega P-25 turntable
Sumiko Blackbird cartridge
Grahm Slee V ERA Gold phono stage
Kenwood KT-7500 tuner with Don Scott modifications
Acoustic Zen cables
JPS Labs power cords
Brickwall surge protectors