It does seem that "fun" in audio usually is associated with modest gear that has surprising performance. Some of the most fun I had in years was picking up a pair of the infamous Insignia speakers - for all of $50 at the time. I recall seeing the incredulous comments about them. I thought, No way, POS for that price. But then I thought to myself, "How can I just diss them if I've never heard them?" I was bored stiff with the gear I had, so I went down to Best Buy just to waste time/money on something different.
I was shocked and super-pleased at what they sounded like. I had a great time putting them into my high end rig and seeing what they could do. Just good 'ol fashion fun, sort of like how Stereophile reviewed the Playstation as a cdp.
Another really fun one are the Eminent Technology LFT-6 speakers, now on their way to becoming a true vintage component. They're 17 years old and obsolutely gorgeous, with natural oak trim and a light, vanilla colored grill cloth. They stand 6.5' tall and do not have the bass module like the LFT-8 series. They look like elegant, thin fabric doors on stands.
Everyone who sees them is amazed not only at their looks but the sound. I bought a couple of economical HSU subs to pair with them and the sound is lucious. There are still many people who have not seen planar speakers, or have not hear them. I love telling them that the technology is more than 30 years old. People are typically amazed at it. I take more delight in that than showing a hard core audiophile a high end component.
Some of the most fun I have had comes from demonstrating to people that are skeptical that different cables have a readily discernable impact on sound. I can switch one IC or power cord on my main rig and they are surprised at the difference in sound. They typically have to renig on their doubtful comments, saying things like, "How can that be?" or "I never thought one cable could make that much difference..."
I was shocked and super-pleased at what they sounded like. I had a great time putting them into my high end rig and seeing what they could do. Just good 'ol fashion fun, sort of like how Stereophile reviewed the Playstation as a cdp.
Another really fun one are the Eminent Technology LFT-6 speakers, now on their way to becoming a true vintage component. They're 17 years old and obsolutely gorgeous, with natural oak trim and a light, vanilla colored grill cloth. They stand 6.5' tall and do not have the bass module like the LFT-8 series. They look like elegant, thin fabric doors on stands.
Everyone who sees them is amazed not only at their looks but the sound. I bought a couple of economical HSU subs to pair with them and the sound is lucious. There are still many people who have not seen planar speakers, or have not hear them. I love telling them that the technology is more than 30 years old. People are typically amazed at it. I take more delight in that than showing a hard core audiophile a high end component.
Some of the most fun I have had comes from demonstrating to people that are skeptical that different cables have a readily discernable impact on sound. I can switch one IC or power cord on my main rig and they are surprised at the difference in sound. They typically have to renig on their doubtful comments, saying things like, "How can that be?" or "I never thought one cable could make that much difference..."