Perhaps, Kat (ie) at SME Lied ?…
The argument against upgrading
I’ve always assumed upgrading hifi can be worthwhile provided there is some audible improvement in sound quality. Maybe, this assumption should be challenged.
Let’s suppose I make some change to my system. I make a meaningful comparison that proves it sounds better in some way.
Before making the change, I was already able to get into and enjoy certain recordings. Surely, I can’t get into these recordings any more than that. It’s an either or thing not a matter of degree.
So what does the upgrade actually do for me in practice? I fear that more often than not it may be absolutely nothing.
I am not arguing that there is no better. Just that incrementally better may not necessarily always translate into more musical enjoyment.
I suppose this all begs the question what I actually mean by better.
What’s your view on the benefits of upgrading? How can we reliably assess whether it is effective?
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This is already an issue..
This guy is mostly right. https://youtu.be/n6hO-y9YU8U?si=T_OLsF0UTVCRS1F4 Further...a single rig may never cut it for a very nitpicky guy...
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Maybe it helps if you have a specific goal, a target to shoot for. While many started small then built/upgraded over the years, I started late so my plan was to: After years of intense research, I searched and demoed the best speakers at audio shows and stores to find the sound I love which were the Magico and YG with top SS electronics. Unfortunately my budget says otherwise. I favor dropping the noise floor to hear better. For electronics, I went with SS Constellation Inspiration Pre+Stereo because it was on TAS list. I was going to upgrade eventually since the Inspiration is entry level of 4 levels, so seems like a lot of higher sonic options. It is a struggle to find the next SS sonic uptick with my budget. Top SS companies Constellation, Soulution, Boulder 2xxx, CH Precision, Dartzeel, Gryphon APEX, etc were out of my budget. I was targeting a rare used integrates CH Precision, Dartzeel, but they may not come up for sale in NAmer voltage. Audionet created the STERN preamp and HEISENBERG amp as a project where time and cost is not an issue- so to create the very best possible with no constraints. Reviews were extremely positive, amongst the top electronics in high-end audio. The Humboldt integrated garnered fantastic reviews, indicating reference type Sonics. I view this as the best SS Sonics that can compare with the very best SS components, but at a much more reasonable price. But new price was still out of reach. Finding a used Audionet Humboldt was daunting as few are available in my NAmer voltage. Luckily I found one in Canada and just recently received shipment. I’m soooo happy and am optimistic it’ll meet my sonic preference. Maybe someday I’ll purchase an additional amp for variety with different Sonics like GanFet, sliding class A, or punchy like Gryphon. Shipping/tariff: I barely knew what I’m doing so I hired/paid a Canadian shipping firm to get it across the border, but I got a letter from US Border Patrol saying I owe them money - I’m calling them tomorrow |
It doesn't take much to enjoy music-I've done it listening to AM radio in a car with the windows rolled down. Lots of folks enjoy music with a $50 bluetooth speaker and would think its nuts to spend a grand on audio equipment. So, I don't think the question is whether you like music, or like upgrades, or like equipment. It seems obvious that if you can use whatever resources you choose to apply to this pursuit-a function of capacity and priority- in a way that yields higher quality reproduction of the music, you are likely to enjoy the music more. At least that's how it works for me, otherwise I'd still be listening on the AM radio. |
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