Getting to know your sound

[matthewpiano]

Recently, through purchasing the Roth speakers and then partnering them with the Pioneer A400, I feel like I've now got to know what sort of sound I actually like. I've come to realise that I prefer a tight, rhythmic, detailed and well sorted sound that conveys the energy of the music rather than a warmer, bassier sound. It has taken me a long time to fully realise this but I now feel like I've got a strong basis on which to build future, carefully planned upgrades, knowing exactly what I am aiming for. Has anybody else found that they have had to experiment (perhaps not quite as much as me!!) with different kit for quite some time until they have worked out exactly what sort of approach floats their boat? I'm actually really pleased I've done most of my discovery at the budget end of the spectrum so that I can move into more mid-range kit knowing what I am looking for.

 

[Craig M.]

yep, that's pretty much what happened with me. had kit from lean n mean, to warm and refined, found out i like unrestrained dynamics and punch, neutral tone, uncoloured and detailed sound.

i wish i'd known from the outset.

 

[the record spot]

I know exactly the sound I want, but the problem is that it becomes an issue the further up you go - budget kit is typically excellent these days and my recent experiences with active speakers might well mean a sea change in my approach in time. The difference was really quite jaw dropping. the Missions are fine speakers, but having heard the Genelecs the other day, I'm having to think about not only what I want from a system, but how I want that delivered.

 

[Anonymous]

Matt I really know how you feel. It is fine if you are only in to one particular type of music. Pick some speakers and an amp that deal with that type really well and bob is your uncle. The problem can come when you listen to such a wide veriety of music. My musical tastes are so varied that I found it hard to find something that deals with everything well. I'd be listening to some electronic and thinking this sounds amazing, change to some acoustic and wonder what the hell was going on.

So in my case it has taken quite a lot of ferreting around to come up with a combo that covers as many bases as possible. I found generally that I love Monitor audio speakers,,,,they have a very upfront, punchy sound that can be perfect for electronic music. However, extended listening sessions with Monitor Audio I found to be to much, I prefer them in a 5.1 system. I love thier design and build quality and will probably never change them as my brand for AV.

So finding a speaker and amp combo that deals with everything well is the holy grail. The combinations out there are mind boggling. You could probably send yourself mad trying to find your way through the mine field. I found pottering around at shows and listening in other peoples houses to be a good way of weeding out what you do and don't want. for instance my friend has some rather expensive M--short floorstnders that have a simply superb tweeter.....but very average everything else.

Currently the cobo I have deals with music over a broad range very well. personaly I don't think the perfect system is out there, so don't look for it. find out what you like and get as close to it as you can within budget...then sit back and enjoy.

 

[Cass]

I know exactly where you're coming from matthewpiano. I gather from your previous posts that you have used the NAD C326BEE amp, and it sounds like you have drawn similar conclusions to me on that amp.

I recently "upgraded" to a C326BEE from a cheap Cambridge A5 and am rapidly realising that for most of the music I listen to, I actually preferred the leaner sound of the A5. The C326BEE has room-filling bass but offers little else in the presentation of the guitar-based rock/pop music that I like - with such music, the sound happens primarily in the midrange, and there is a serious lack of separation and clarity there.

I'm going to stick with the amp a bit longer to see if I grow accustomed to the sound, but I suspect that it just isn't suited to the music I play or the kind of sound I like to hear.

 

[matthewpiano]

Hi Cass. I've still got the C326BEE at present but I've spent a lot of time listening with the A400 in the last few days and I've got no desire to go back to the NAD.

The C326BEE is an excellent amplifier but I agree with you that it lacks clarity and detail in as much as it seems to add extra bass and mid-range padding to the sound. In the process the music loses some of its edge. I might yet retain it as the heart of a second system but it won't be going back into the main set-up.

If you like a clean but still dynamic sound, the Pioneer is well worth considering.

 

[Anonymous]

Well done matthewpiano, glad that after all your soul searching, you have found your perfect sound. Personally i,ve never been dissatisfied with the sound that i listen to when i press play. Yes it would be nice to have bigger speakers, more powerfull amp, more expensive electronics etc etc, but the way i look at it as in life as a general rule is what you,ve never had you won,t miss. Most of the guys on here are passionate about hi-fi and are always trying to get a better sound and i can honestly understand that, i,m not that passionate about hi fi, my passion is jazz guitars and for years i tried too many of them looking to get the sound in my head until i had a one to one session with a world known jazz guitarist and he taught me after about 5 mins that it,s not the instrument that gives you the sound you are after, but the way you play it. As for my own hi-fi, i think i,m very lucky in that myself and my wife ( have to give her her opinion ) are very happy with what we,ve got and as you said to me in another thread it would probably cost me a lot more now to get the same sound or something near it if i was to start from scratch. Anyway glad that you are finally at peace with what you have.

John

 

[ESP2009]

I am wondering just how careful you have to be in this. For a good many years I have been used to either the smoothness of the Pioneer PD-S703 with the Kenwood 3020SE coupled with Mission 760 speakers listened to at 'sensible volumes' in our living room or...the Marantz CD63 KI Sig with Audiolab 8000S coupled with TDL RTL2 speakers played at a greater volume in the front room. Seemingly, both combinations had their merits, the latter having the benefit, I believe, of better acoustics as well as being roughly twice the price. I was comfortable with both.

But within the last 12 months I have had my horizons broadened and my listening tastes have come under scrutiny. Not only have I begun to listen to music I would never have considered previously, but I have heard completely different presentations according to the kit and its connections. I am still not sure where my preferences actually lie. I think I prefer a well-rounded mid-range with some warmth, but with a clear and precise top-end. I like to hear depth and breadth. I like a solid bass but don't require it to be powerful (not least because we have neighbours!)

The bi-amped Audiolabs are doing a solid job of controlling my current system, seeming to balance things out nicely. Despite recommendations, I was disappointed to find that I wasn't bowled over by the Pioneer A400 even though it gave the Audiolabs a run for their money. Now, at last, the Marantz PM66SE KI Sig puts in an appearance on the stage. From the brief sound check I have had time for, it is well-suited to my taste. From this Sunday I will have opportunity to do an in-depth try-out.

Initial impressions of a comparison between Pioneer and Marantz (temporarily linked up to a CD63 KI Sig and TDLs in the front room) were that the Pioneer gets loud very fast (before 9 o'clock on the dial) and has a forward, brash and lively sound. The Marantz only begins to deliver beyond 11 o'clock and shows much more restraint and refinement. The Pioneer has the character and charm of an exciteable puppy, whereas the Marantz, on first listen, has a more feline sophistication. I can understand how the Pioneer can be ideal for dynamic rock and pop-orientated music, whereas the Marantz has strengths when listening to classical, vocals and the like. OK, it's early yet in my experience. But given my fairly wide taste, maybe the Pioneer will remain that bit too lively and exciteable and the Marantz will directly challenge the Audiolab throne.

 

[ear]

you havet to try an entry level yamaha amp.period.

 

[ESP2009]

ear:you have to try an entry level yamaha amp.period.

Am I to take it from your signature details that this is considered a good thing? Or should I check the 'net and find out whether the model is higher up the scale?

You see, in today's hi-tech world there is just too much choice - so many components, too little time or money. Yes, I would like to try everything within my price range and, hopefully, hit upon my ideal combination, but it's not an option. Sadly.

 

[ear]

i had a 497 before but at the time i didnt know how to use the loudenss variation knob.now i know how.and i love this amp.woulnd change it for any model higher. aand ive heard them.

 

[ear]

I prefer also the looks of mine than the S series.the S series lose a bit without having the loudness regulation.this amp can be bright,can also be tamed and warm.bass doesnt overpower.I love it.

 

[matthewpiano]

Erm.... Ear, the A-S700 has the variable loudness facility.

 

[jaxwired]

Good topic!

I actually love both ends of the spectrum. I tried using speakers that are extremely detailed with crystal clear midrange but with less bass. I really love how acoustics intruments sound and the way certain percussion sounds are so incredibly lifelike (like when a guitarist is taping his knuckles on the guitar body). However, I've found that ultimately I'd rather have a slightly warmer, more laid back speaker because it works better for long listening sessions and because the fuller bass makes it more pleasant at lower volumes. It also has a richer, lusher sound that is very cool.

 

[Anonymous]

As a musician and hi-fi fanatic -

I have began to understand that I can grow into a sound and learn to love it.

It is much easier to strive for perfection - the ideal sound in your head for various kinds of music differs...

But it is much harder to grow to love the sounds you are hearing....irrespective of personal taste...

Anyway - that is my pence worth...

 

[Anonymous]

syanhc:

As a musician and hi-fi fanatic -

I have began to understand that I can grow into a sound and learn to love it.

It is much easier to strive for perfection - the ideal sound in your head for various kinds of music differs...

But it is much harder to grow to love the sounds you are hearing....irrespective of personal taste...

Anyway - that is my pence worth...

One mans idea of perfection might sound like a bowl of porridge to the next man.

 

[Anonymous]

johnnyjazz:
One mans idea of perfection might sound like a bowl of porridge to the next man.What does a bowl of porridge sound like?

 

[Anonymous]

Tarquinh:johnnyjazz:
One mans idea of perfection might sound like a bowl of porridge to the next man.What does a bowl of porridge sound like? Uneven

 

[Anonymous]

What porridge are you using? Mine is totally silent.

 

[drummerman]

matthewpiano:... and then partnering them with the Pioneer A400, I feel like I've now got to know what sort of sound I actually like ... carefully planned upgrades ... knowing exactly what I am aiming for ... so that I can move into more mid-range kit knowing what I am looking for.

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pretty much in that order ...