What are we really trying to replicate?


Two questions:

(1) At what point does the level of an audio system exceed the level at which it was recorded and/or transferred to media? Does it make sense to spend thousands of dollars to reproduce a record that is mass produced?

(2) When trying to replicate a concert, can speakers actually sound too good? I doubt most concerts have a equal level of sound quality compared to the systems represented on this forum, so is there a case to simply build a system that plays extrememly loud? How much unamplified live music (think symphony) is really available?
mceljo

Showing 1 response by oakleys

Two answers.

(1) There exist's a proven/quantifiable answer to your question, and let me let it be known by saying further, and first, and in conclusion, that the level of an audio system depends upon one simple factor. Unfortunatly, many variables exist for to confuse us. For simplicity, just consider the least/most important factor of which is the method used to level an audio system. For the sake of argument, and for ease of understanding and with an obvious lack of emphases on or an excess of consideration placed upon the questionable nature of said leveling procedure...level is always level, except when it is not.

Personally, I go oldschool and use a 12" bubble level atop all of an audio system. Laser options are said to exist which might result in an even further refinment of the leveling of an audio system.

Obviously, the level at which said leveling exceeds or conversely falls short with that of other said level of an audio system used for recording and/or transfer is when one or another of said level audio systems is out of level than other said leveled audio system, be it maufacturing audio system or transferred to media audio system. Quite simple to remember and understand. For your own sake, just be careful out there.

Let me begin by saying, you just get a level and measure an audio system and then a simple trip to the recording/manufacturing facilities with your leveling device will clear up any ambiquity.

Me, I've got music to listen to.

turns out, this question is a two part-er....

(1b) No, it does not make sense to spend thousands of dollars to reproduce a record that is mass produced. I repeat....Do not spend thousands of dollars to reproduce a mass produced record. Let the record company reproduce it for you, and then you will only have to spend around $10-30 for the record at your favorite local record store.

However, it DOES make sense to spend thousands of dollars upon many un-mass produced records. Try it out yourself and thank me later. Go on, I'll wait....

(2) Yes, speakers can actually sound too good. Amps cannot as well. Preamps too. Turntables, of course. CD players sure. Cables, but of course. MP-3's, no. Haircuts...maybe.

Do not question this logic, for your enjoyment will be diminished.

(f) You are wise to doubt most concerts have an equal level of sound quality compared to the systems on this forum. The disparity is downright stupid! I tried to compare one once and almost crapped my pants in confusion.

So rest easy knowing that you will save yourself much heartache and frustations with this understanding. I also almost venture to assuem that its safe to conclude that considering this is a forum for stereo systems designed for use in a home, not many PA systems are going to be considered for use in a home environment. Different horses for different courses??

(#)Yes a case can be built designed around the notion to help you damage your hearing. In fact, a case in not needed at all, a simple set of headphones would suffice. Just play music/noise as loud and as long as possible whilst wearing. Knock yourself out if that is your interest in replaying music at home, or on the go!

(x)Unfortunatly I cannot think symphony, or symphonic, its a character flaw, I know. But, I can answer you next question, about how much live unamplifed music is really available. obviously the answer is eleven.