Topping or MSB?

nc42acc said:
I think the Toppings signal to noise ratio is around 198db so that should mean something.
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It measures well below human audibility/perception thresholds, so would be (audibly) transparent, which is not always desired.
But that's the sound, no way to overcome the Pavlovian drama created by the price, country of origin, etc, etc. The science is very very clear there, as I linked (tip of iceberg).
In the end, you only have to make yourself happy and keep street cred, so...
 
mep said:
So, did you have a chance to compare the Topping preamp to the ARC Ref 6 in your good friend's system before he sold the Ref 6?
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Unfortunately I did not. For the most part we agree in terms of what we like to hear. I prefer a little more "ease" where he prefers more detail. His Ref6 was a prized possession, he sold it because the Topping sounded better.

Why are we in this hobby? IMO it for the best sound, and not for the most bling. So I support his decision.
 
AJ Soundfield said:
It measures well below human audibility/perception thresholds, so would be (audibly) transparent, which is not always desired.
But that's the sound, no way to overcome the Pavlovian drama created by the price, country of origin, etc, etc. The science is very very clear there, as I linked (tip of iceberg).
In the end, you only have to make yourself happy and keep street cred, so...
Click to expand...

Street cred is irrelevant in audio. It's just you, in your room, enjoying your system. There is no one to impress but yourself.
 
AJ good point and trying to read between the lines I think I understand. Street cred in as “hey I have a $780,000.00 system it sounds better than anything on earth” or “hey my system has the lowest distortion numbers possible and it sounds better than anything on earth ” ?
Clarify please?

AJ Soundfield said:
It measures well below human audibility/perception thresholds, so would be (audibly) transparent, which is not always desired.
But that's the sound, no way to overcome the Pavlovian drama created by the price, country of origin, etc, etc. The science is very very clear there, as I linked (tip of iceberg).
In the end, you only have to make yourself happy and keep street cred, so...
Click to expand...
 
Jeff hard lesson to learn but exactly. Case in point when I added the Constellation pieces in my system they sounded better than anything prior. No shits given that everyone scoffs about the “cluttered” interior build quality. I now enjoy my system more than ever and have no desire to change anything. Buy what sounds good to you with no regards to what the audio “camps” say otherwise.

jeff1225 said:
Street cred is irrelevant in audio. It's just you, in your room, enjoying your system. There is no one to impress but yourself.
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nc42acc said:
Street cred in as “hey I have a $780,000.00 system"
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This. And no Toppings, just plain cheese.

nc42acc said:
“hey my system has the lowest distortion numbers possible and it sounds better than anything on earth ” ?
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Well, that would be equally foolish. What I'm saying is that to be satisfied, sound isn't the only criteria. All your senses are being used and for many, price has an astronomical impact. So spend as needed, to be happy.
 
nc42acc said:
AJ street cred in audio is people who buy to impress vs who buy to enjoy music. Big difference me thinks.
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I would bet that a good chunk of audiophiles are both - buy to impress AND to enjoy music. Nothing wrong with that. It’s human nature.

I for one don’t want to look at hideously looking gear in my rig. There’re just so many good sounding and good looking gears nowadays that you don’t have to choose between look and sound.
 
I don’t think that is the answer AJ. Money doesn’t always make a happy audiophile, but will make some happy. The senses you mention I am assuming you are stressing the cost of the item and how luxurious it feels and looks in your rack? This may be true for 50% but is insulting to the other 50%.

AJ Soundfield said:
This. And no Toppings, just plain cheese.


Well, that would be equally foolish. What I'm saying is that to be satisfied, sound isn't the only criteria. All your senses are being used and for many, price has an astronomical impact. So spend as needed, to be happy.
Click to expand...
 
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