This one is for my Super-fan, who just can’t stop thinking and talking about me. I found and have my ice cream…….hopefully one day you will learn, wake up, smell and realize that what you have been tasting is not ice cream:
If Warmth Is a Distortion, Why Do So Many Audiophiles Still Defend It?
Hi everyone, this is my first post here. If it stirs some emotions — that’s not a bad thing. It means we’re all still passionate about this hobby.
As AI becomes capable of recreating any sound signature — warm, tube-like, analogue, ultra-wide, hyper-detailed, and everything in between — I’m starting to think the real future of audio lies in neutral, transparent, dynamic, and accurate hardware, while many of the “flavours” we chase may soon become software choices.
Over time, a few things have stood out to me:
• Warmth is pleasant, but it’s still coloration.
Beautiful, yes — but not accuracy, not transparency, and not always the artist’s intention.
• Warm gear enhances some tracks but softens accuracy in others.
Especially vocals, piano, violin, guitar, and other acoustic instruments. Some people hear this, some don’t, and some just prefer it that way.
• Modern Class D deserves more respect than it gets.
Many older audiophiles dismiss it based on outdated assumptions. But the latest designs are already extremely neutral, fast, and precise. I’m not sure how much longer Class A/AB will remain relevant beyond nostalgia and brand loyalty.
• Price reflects real quality only up to a point.
Beyond that, it becomes about branding, house sound, and personal bias. Preference is fine — but preference isn’t the same as absolute fidelity.
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⭐ Why I May Not Respond Immediately
This post is meant as a sharing of thoughts, not a debate I plan to defend point by point.
If I don’t reply right away, it’s because I’m taking time to read, think, and learn from others’ perspectives here.
Posting in good faith — looking forward to all views, supportive or critical.
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I did not read through this entire thread, and I might be repeating what others said. I attended the premiere of the new Parsifal at the SF opera two weeks ago. We had seats pretty close to the orchestra and the stage and I specifically listened to the sound, as I know the opera at heart: how does the live music compare to what I hear at home? Well, for one it is not really "warm" in the sense of a 1960s sound by 1960s gear, but what struck me more is the absence of any glare or hard upper mid and highs, even with brass at full throttle. The overall impression was "round", not angular or sharp. The latter sound signature, in MHO, is much more prevalent in today's systems and recordings, which is always a turn-off for me. So, yes, exaggerated "warmth" is not good in the sense of authenticity, but still way better than exaggerated highs or the so-called "analytical" sound many seem to prefer (especially Europeans, vs. Japanese audiophiles on the opposite end). Fortunately, my vinyl system is as neutral as they come and sounds quite similar to what I experienced at the opera house. |
When you go to see live music there is tons of distortion - some electronic but loads from the room. If the resulting combination of distortions from your system (room plus electronics) results in something that 'reminds' you best of the live experience, or whatever experience you are after, and therefore makes you listen to more music then it can't be criticized.
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Some distortion is pleasing. Most artist just wanted to capture the song or the spirit therein. Who cares what color the spirit is as long as it’s captured. If you like clinical listen to clinical, if you like color, color it all you want. If you prefer looking at a Picasso through colored lenses, who cares what he originally intended. Maybe he would’ve liked the colored lenses too. Run it through a chainsaw if it sounds good to you. It’s about your perception and nobody else’s. |
@rivington66 +1 I think you are exactly right. Some people like the sound with more color and some people prefer it to be transparent, and a lot of folks somewhere in between. There is no definitive right or wrong, just personal preference. |
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