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March 14, 2024, 11:29 AM #1
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- Nov 2014
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Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
My journey with music has been a lifelong affair, spanning decades and evolving through various formats - from LPs and cassettes to CDs, bypassing the era of SACDs and DVD Audio amidst the demands of family and work. However, the resurgence of my interest in music, rekindled by the advent of streaming services, marked a paradigm shift in my auditory experience. Streaming revolutionized my listening habits, but this digital convenience also led me down a path influenced by professional audio critics. Their claims of discernible sonic nuances fueled my quest for the "perfect sound."
In pursuit of audio nirvana, I embarked on a relentless quest to upgrade my equipment, convinced that each new tweak or addition would bring me closer to the ultimate listening experience. Yet, despite my efforts and investments, the realization dawned on me: the essence of live music, its raw and unfiltered beauty, remained elusive, unattainable through any speaker or headphone.
This revelation echoed the sentiments of J. Gordon Holt, a pioneer who lamented the decline of audio as a genuine hobby. Holt criticized the high-end audio community's resistance to objective scrutiny, such as double-blind testing, which undermined its credibility since the 1980s. This stance, Holt argued, turned high-end audio into a subject of ridicule among skeptics and a source of personal embarrassment for him, given his inadvertent role in promoting a misguided pursuit.
After years of chasing the illusory ideal of perfect sound, I have stepped away from the high-end audio dogma. The complex setups and the pursuit of sonic perfection gave way to the simplicity and accessibility of streaming (Spotify in my case). The once indispensable components of my audio system - the imposing amplifiers, the sophisticated preamps, and the high-end music servers - have been relegated to the background. Now, my music exploration is guided by the convenience of an app, unencumbered by the concerns of software updates or the pursuit of high-definition tracks.
In this return to simplicity, I've rediscovered the joy of music. Freed from the confines of audiophile conventions, I now delve into an ever-expanding universe of artists and genres, finding delight in new discoveries and rekindling my love for music in its most accessible form. It's a journey back to the beginning, a rediscovery of the pure joy of music, and I am reveling in every moment of it.
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March 14, 2024, 12:08 PM #2
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- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
- Posts
- 3,073
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
So, you are saying the worse the music sounds the better you enjoy it? You have always been some type of anti-audiophile I do feel your approach is rare but what works for you.
I've been drawn to music as long as I can remember, like a moth to light. I got my first record player in grade school. I have always strived for something better to play my music on. I have no problem enjoying music on a good system. In turn just yesterday I was visiting a friend in the hospital they were playing music for her on the computer, I still enjoyed songs I liked. The sound would have to be really bad for me not to enjoy it. A good system draws me into the music more though. However, no matter how good the system is it isn't going to make me enjoy a song I don't like.
Last year I bought a JBL Party Box 310 to use outside. I am impressed with this thing and it's fun to Bluetooth to. Though it's not so good sound I have to have some music in the car.
Music is important but no reason why you can't enjoy it on the best system you can. Some people care less what the music sounds like. Maybe it took you experimenting with better gear to realize that is you.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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March 14, 2024, 01:32 PM #3
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- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 2,104
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
That saying about the best camera being the one you've got with you? It's spot on, and it totally applies to music too, like your thing with the JBL Party Box in the car. You pointed out how important it is to have some tunes playing, even if they're not the crispest or clearest. And that's the real deal—what matters most is the music you love listening to, not how many bits or samples it's packing.
Thinking that you can only get real joy from super high-res music feels like putting yourself in a box. Honestly, a lot of those fancy "high-resolution" albums don't even pack more punch than a regular old CD.
So, really, it's all about what makes you happy. If a song hits the spot, who cares if it's not audiophile grade? Enjoying your music, getting lost in the beats, the lyrics, the vibe—that's where it's at. It's a reminder to not sweat the small stuff. Just play what you love, whenever and wherever you can, and let the good times roll.
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March 14, 2024, 04:49 PM #4
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
I have spent way too much on new and used audio equipment over the last 30 years and have had moments of listening joy and disappointment while wondering what the next “upgrade” might bring. I have become discouraged and will soon be looking to simplify my audio setup and am preparing myself to take a bath on what my current equipment will bring on the used market. I’m not complaining, just relaying that I have been on a fool’s errand trying to achieve audio nirvana on my budget for way too long. Keep on listening!
MAIN SYSTEM - SST Ambrosia 2000 Second Edition Preamp, SST Son of Ampzilla II Amp, PS Audio Directstream DAC w/Bridge II, PS Audio Directstream Memory Player, PS Audio P3 Power Plant, Focal Sopra No. 1 Speakers, ELAC 3070 Sub, Roon Nucleus w/8TB SSD storage
HOME OFFICE SYSTEM - HiFi Rose RS250, KEF LS50W Nocturne Speakers
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March 14, 2024, 05:06 PM #5
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Nicoff, did you recently downsize your house?
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 14, 2024, 05:53 PM #6
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
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- 2,104
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March 14, 2024, 05:59 PM #7
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 14, 2024, 08:58 PM #8
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- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
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- 3,073
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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March 14, 2024, 10:12 PM #9
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
As I am still in active surgical practice, I don’t get to listen to music from system, except for the weekend. I do still want to stay married! Looking forward to retiring at the end of 2023. Currently working to optimize my system this year, in anticipation of another downsize event, when we move to Seattle, to be with our daughter and new grandchild.
Several possible variations of my system, depending on the space I get.
One of my retirement projects is to actually do some research into the music I like, and look into more music. Listen to music, both that I already like and explore new music. Being the OCD surgeon, I will classify, and categorize!
Please enjoy the music first and, of course, enjoy the way your system presents it to you.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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March 15, 2024, 07:57 AM #10
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- Nov 2014
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- 2,104
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
It does explain my need to make changes, but… the acoustics of the new room is actually much better than my old dedicated music room. After the move, I have been making changes one device at a time. I got rid of a big Powerplant, a Windows PC, replaced my big preamp with one that is less than 1/4 the size and weight, got rid of one subwoofer, and now use an RPi as my streamer. Next in line is exploring the replacement of my 80 pound amps. The speakers will remain. But I am willing to explore changing everything else. So far, there has been NO detriment to the sound. My experience so far confirms that the speakers and the room are the biggest determinants of the sound.
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March 15, 2024, 09:46 AM #11
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 15, 2024, 09:51 AM #12
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 15, 2024, 10:34 AM #13
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- Nov 2014
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- 2,104
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
After using Roon and HQP for years and upsampling all the music to 512 DSD, I have no qualms admitting that I enjoy the simplicity of Spotify even though it has lower resolution. But as I noted in my OP, to me the most important thing is the music, not the resolution. I do realize that some folks are fixated on resolution (I admit that I was at one time) even if they cannot tell a difference when subjected to double-blind testing.
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March 15, 2024, 10:46 AM #14
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 15, 2024, 07:45 PM #15
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
The Bricasti M12, that I used to have had 2 different DAC boards, one for Sigma Delta, one the other for DSD only. I personally liked the sound from the DSD board. I was using Roon to resampled everything to DSD.
The MSB sounds great with anything I send it, so I don’t resemble any more.
Listen for yourself, in your system, and choose what you like the best.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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March 16, 2024, 09:09 AM #16
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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March 16, 2024, 09:11 AM #17
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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March 16, 2024, 09:25 AM #18
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
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March 16, 2024, 09:18 PM #19
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
I am a pragmatist when it comes to high end audio. I’ll buy stuff that I think makes a difference. Most accessories I’ve auditioned lately just don’t.
A few folks here have found that simpler is better.
I’m having a blast with my restored audio OHM F’s. No complexity, no crossovers, just a single Omni driver.
IMG_3433.jpegTom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
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March 17, 2024, 04:40 AM #20
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
All the best for your journey returning to the roots of musical enjoyment.
The think your above observation is possibly the most important epithany an audiophile can have.
For many journeymen the only upgrades imagined are related to hardware – bigger, better, more expensive etc.
The expensive tragedy is the failure to appreciate that much of the sonic benefit derived from more expensive hardware is to a large extent being masked by poor room acoustics.Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.
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March 19, 2024, 03:22 PM #21
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
Duplicate
MAIN SYSTEM - SST Ambrosia 2000 Second Edition Preamp, SST Son of Ampzilla II Amp, PS Audio Directstream DAC w/Bridge II, PS Audio Directstream Memory Player, PS Audio P3 Power Plant, Focal Sopra No. 1 Speakers, ELAC 3070 Sub, Roon Nucleus w/8TB SSD storage
HOME OFFICE SYSTEM - HiFi Rose RS250, KEF LS50W Nocturne Speakers
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March 19, 2024, 03:24 PM #22
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
MAIN SYSTEM - SST Ambrosia 2000 Second Edition Preamp, SST Son of Ampzilla II Amp, PS Audio Directstream DAC w/Bridge II, PS Audio Directstream Memory Player, PS Audio P3 Power Plant, Focal Sopra No. 1 Speakers, ELAC 3070 Sub, Roon Nucleus w/8TB SSD storage
HOME OFFICE SYSTEM - HiFi Rose RS250, KEF LS50W Nocturne Speakers
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March 22, 2024, 11:17 PM #23
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Location
- Oregon
- Posts
- 234
Re: Returning to the Roots of Musical Enjoyment
I think that is wonderful. Enjoying listening to music is the end goal.
Main System: Analog - Linn LP12, Origin Live DC motor and Controller, SME V arm, Benz Ruby H 2 cartridge, Wright Sound preamp. Digital - Intel NUC I-7, 16 gig ram, Jriver media center 24, Wyrd4 Sound 2V2 SE Dac, Fathom Hard Drives.
H-Cat Version 9 preamp, ARC Reference 75 amp, Custom line source speakers - 10 SB Acoustics midwoofers, 10 Fountek ribbon tweeters. JL Audio Fathom f112 Subs
Wire - T G Audio, Shunyata, Synergistic Research , Audioquest, Lewis silver foil, Duelund, Transparent.
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
I or anyone interested should see if FEDEX offers a domestic "LAST MINUTE RATE" for shipping heavy items within CONUS. Have no clue at this point - but when I have some time, I'll check. ...
Shipping Overseas 498 pounds w/3...