What no one is saying is that the room is probably the biggest factor in this discussion. I'm sure that my meager +/- $5K system can sound better than a poorly chosen $50K system in a hotel demo room.
What Does 80 Grand Get You Nowadays?
A system was playing in a shop. I sat down and pretty soon I thought gosh, I’m glad my system sounds better than this.
That system - just preamp, amp, and speakers - cost about $80,000 new.
I didn’t make the speakers at first, because Sabrinas look far better than the usual Wilson house look. They were driven by one of those new high-end Marantz amps, and I don’t think that was a match made in heaven. The Marantz was driven by a Dan D’Agostino pre that looked like a Minion had been crushed in a hydraulic press. Audiophile music was streaming, but I did not catch whence issued those dulcet ones and zeroes.
I suppose that system constitutes high-end for some. Now, it certainly sounded competent, but it also sounded boring. I thought, this is the Audi SUV of audio: competent and boring.
Conversely, I was impressed and pleased to no end that the end sound of my modest system from the last century could play in the same league as an almost-six figure modern system, and do so in a more engaging and fun fashion - to my ears, at least.
I’m biased, of course; and I am certain many high-priced systems out there leave mine in the dust. Still, I would have thought $80,000 guaranteed a better baseline sound.
How about you, have you heard a lot of gear whose sound was way out of whack with its price?
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There is some gibberish in the mix in this thread. None here heard what the OP heard, but there has been some nonsense spewed in response. Normally I would sit outside, but when I think it might actually influence someone into making a bad decision I must comment. To wit: @audphile1 pontificating about the sound of Marantz. Now I have no problem with a statement that he/she does not like the sound of Marantz or any other product for that matter. That is a matter of personal taste and opinion and is perfectly legitimate. The statement made, however, is patently false, specifically claiming the sound of the company's products to be "rolled off" and "constipated" both statements demonstrably false and easily refuted. Perhaps the author needs to go in for a check up. Ear wax build up perhaps? I respectfully suggest you state your opinions as such, and otherwise with all due respect, stick to facts. |
@llg98ljk + 1 |
@devinplombier I wouldn't be at all surprised if the very next person who sat down in front of that very same 80K audio system you thought sounded substandard, thought it sound absolutely outstanding!!! Nothing is more subjective than high-end audio. One mans bull, is another mans well balanced. Happy listening. |
No earwax build up @billstevenson I have owned and heard plenty of marantz and various other brands. Marantz is mid fi. If you hear high end gear Marantz will sound rolled off and constipated. Perhaps you’re unfamiliar with the sound produced by better gear. That’s one. |
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