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Random thoughts from a sort of, kind of audiophile

Random thoughts from a sort of, kind of audiophile.

I've been involved in this hobby off and on for over 55 years having started off building a monaural Heathkit amp and "sweet sixteen" speaker when I was in high school. Since then I've been through so many iterations and combinations of gear I probably could not list them all but, until recently, pursued mostly solid state upstream components and planar speakers. Now it's tubes and dynamic speakers that I prefer but have no arguments supporting either technology over the other for anyone but myself. For those who consider themselves audiophiles in the truest or most understood sense of the word, please dismiss what I'm saying here as ramblings of someone who is somewhat envious of those with superior abilities and the means to "perfect" their listening experience.

I know the words but don't have a well developed understanding of the audio enthusiast's vocabulary and I'm not convinced that everyone using some of these terms uses them with the same meaning either. I'm reluctant, therefor to use them myself. Those that I do use, like timbre, graininess, muddy, thin, tight, etc probably mean pretty much the same to most in the hobby.

From what I've read here on Audiogon, there seems only a few of us that have the luxury of a purpose built listening room so room balancing can be a real challenge. I didn't realize how important this was until I incorporated electronic measuring and setup equipment, especially when I was using large electrostatic speakers. Partly because of this, I suppose, is the reason I enjoy, almost to the point of preference, the nearfield setup in my garage as much as I do. Also, because much of my listening is to solo guitar, a wide soundstage presentation seems not only unnecessary but even unrealistic. I do enjoy good headphones but, again, the soundstage issue pops up; it sounds to me like the sound is coming from inside my head instead of from a guitarist sitting across the room in front of me.

My hearing is not as accurate or with the range of youth as many others' and I've been impressed/amazed at claims made by some regarding sound quality associated with differences between various components and setups. I'm sure, for example, that there is a measurable sonic difference between various comparably constructed interconnects and speaker cables but at what level are they actually discernible by the average listener? Is there anyone who can actually hear the difference between a one meter interconnect compared to one that is two meters long? I doubt it. What about elevating speaker cables? The advantage of elevating cables seems, no offense, bordering on fantasy, understanding of course, that those who use them are probably in a situation of having already maximized everything else in their setup.

What about power supply? Again, I cannot tell the difference between plugging into any old household outlet and one that is stabilized. I do have completely dedicated power circuitry with power management myself but mostly for a little added protection and because it conveniently acts as a large multiple outlet power strip.

I can't give a good reason for this post; it doesn't help anyone except, I suppose, to let those in the same place I am to realize that they're not alone with these same issues. I realize, also, that these comments may have more to do with my own listening shortcomings and not meant to be judgmental of those who are not so burdened.

My current main system consists of the following:

Source - Apple TV - CAL Sigma DAC - Peachtree pre - Cary Audio Rocket 88R - Reference 2 Serie MMC speakers.
OR: Theta Basic CD transport - Theta Pro DAC - speakers as above......and it sounds really good.

Some pretty old stuff but, then, so am I.



128x128broadstone
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
I didn't mean to imply that the issues I've commented on here are not measurable.  Except for those in reference to elevated speaker cables I believe that most have measurable sonic elements that will, to some extent, affect the audible character of the signal.  My only point is that even though I have instruments that can measure frequencies far in excess of all audible frequencies, none of us can hear them. (That being said, though, and as an aside, I do believe these frequencies, although discreetly inaudible, ultimately do impact what we hear)

You know, there's something to be said for hearing limitations making it easier to put a system together.  If your hearing is perfect, it's kind of like having an unlimited bank account; the more money one has the wider the range of choices he has and the more complicated life becomes. That's not to say, though, that I would mind being wealthy with perfect hearing.  The bottom line is, I suppose, that we all make the most of what we have. 






adeep42
114 posts
 
Great post. I am another one bitten by the hifi and jazz bugs in high school in the late 50's. My first amp was an EICO Kit mono 12 watt tube amp. Served me well for quite a few years.

I've been in and out of audiophilia over the years, Family changes, job changes financial changes, moving to CDs and back to Vinyl. I'm 74 now, and in reasonably good shape mentally and physically. I'm back into audio in a big way and loving it.

I don't think I have golden ears, But I certainly can tell if something sounds good, and if an equipment change or tweak makes it better (or worse for that matter).

The sheer joy of listening to music with the best possible fidelity is  one the greatest pleasures in life.

Alan



whipsaw
753 posts
 
I’m in my 50s, and can relate to the original post mainly within the context of diminishing returns.

I don’t doubt that small tweaks can make a difference, and have experienced such differences on many occasions. However, I have never been interested in seeking better sound beyond a certain point. I have built several systems over the decades, and very much enjoy the process. But once I reach a level of quality that I consider to be excellent for the budget, I tend to stop tinkering, and just enjoy the music.

My most recent system has been a challenge, as the listening space is very far from being ideal. However, I think that I may have just found the right synergy, and something as simple as a recent, slight toe-in of the speakers seems to have capped off the process.

Cheers,

Tony C.

– recapped and modified Accuphase E-303X integrated amp

– modified Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP CD player

– Accuphase T-103 tuner

– Harbeth P3ESR speakers

– Audience AU24 interconnects

– Audience AU24E speaker cables

– Quadraspire SVT rack


williewonka
3,067 posts
 
It’s interesting to read the above posts about "fidelity’ - but it appears in the manner it has been posted, that the posters use of the word "fidelity" is associated more with the degradation of their high frequency hearing ability.

For me, I’ve also heard the decline in my hearing over my 63 years, i.e. as it pertain to high frequency response.

However, as my system’s resolution & performance has improved, I now find that I tend to think of "fidelity" more from a " details" perspective.

Even with my hearing loss I can still easily discern improvements in...
- dynamics, especially the "snap" in percussion instruments
- the control and punch of bass frequencies and their extended depth
- smoothness of the high end - particularly violins
- new details discovered in instrument timbres - strings and woodwind
- the vastly oimproved venue acoustics - those reverberations that fill a hall.
- refinements to the "vocal character" of each singer

I don’t actually think much about my "hearing loss" - unless the tinnitus is playing up, but focus more on the realism that I still get to enjoy.

I am now very happy with the sound of my system and find I am more focused on musical content, rather than trying to attain Audio Nirvana.

But I do look at new products occasionally - I just purchased a Bluesound NODE 2 - but that was to make streaming easy enough for my wife to use. Turns out the NODE 2 has very good "fidelity" as well - bonus!

Having said that, just as whipsaw as has posted
- I do have great interconnects and cables,
- dedicated power lines, and
- MRI grade outlets on everything.
- and I heard improvements as each were introduced - but from the perspectives outlined above .

Did they improve Frequency response? I will never know :-(

Did they enhance my enjoyment? - you betcha!

Bottom line - I think I’ll keep going until they close the lid :-)
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,368 posts
 
Don't discount hearing loss..  For a number of years now, I've been wondering how my once fabulously sounding system now sounded so unmusical/lifeless/dead.  I tried cleaning the cables, using a break-in CD disc, trying other cables, but just got new hearing aids and the thrill is back.  I can't tell you how wonderful music is again.  I went to a live concert last weekend and was uplifted to hear the sound of music again.  Can anyone remember the joy when first you tried out your new spectacles?.... the clarity, colors, etc......  same idea.
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