Describe the "new HiFi sound"?


Recently had a discussion with an audio friend over the word "musical" and what this word means to each of us with regard to sound from different amplifiers and speakers. Some debate too.  And, reading this other comment on Agon once in a while...how some equipment has the "new HiFi sound".  

ASK: 

Can someone describe this, in your words, what is the new HiFi Sound to you?  Examples? Or, opposites of the new HiFi sound, what does this sound like?

 

 

 

decooney

Hey, keep your hysteron proterons to yourself. 😄

All kidding aside, this comes up every now and then but there does seem to be a trend like blisshifi alluded to in his post. Case in point: my new speakers are much more revealing, have more air, ambience and room/studio presence in the recording but there's no etch, shrillness, or harshness to speak of. The mids are enhanced with brass, winds, strings, chimes and percussion that don't ever shade the sound but seem to burnish it, imbuing them with body that project out into the room. And the bass is propulsive, tight and expansive with all the sound emanating out from the speakers to the point where they can face with minor toe it, allowing a very wide sweet spot. 

All of that is only possible with new driver technology that hasn't been tried before. Throw in a wonderful sounding all digital amp that "hears" deeply into a recording and you have the recipe for some truly engaging sound.

That would be my definition of some "new hifi sound" as I haven't heard it performed this way in all the years I've been in this hobby. 

All the best,
Nonoise

While everyone spends time determining what musical means, look up all of the definitions via the web, and you will see what it truly means. Years ago, I presented a question on this subject on another thread somewhere. Take a favorite, well seasoned musician of yours....keeping it simple, let us use Elton John. Now, take another piano player / singer.....just an average Joe newbie, who is 1st learning to play/sing ( who is " not as masterful " as Elton ). This is the interesting part......ready.......Would you rather listen to Elton play in an airport boarding area, or the newbie play Elton material, in Carnegie Hall, sitting in the best seat, of your selection. Which would you consider to be the more musical ? Think about this, and state your thinking. I go for Elton playing in the airport, as it is my opinion, this would be the more musical. Enjoy ! Always, MrD.