Symbiosis or System-Matching

[jazzpiano]

:piano:
I am curious what forum members thoughts are on symbiosis or system-matching? Specifically, after the years and your experiences what have you found that works particularly well together and, do you have any ideas about why? When is the whole greater than the sum of the parts alone? I had a friend decades ago who had a pair of Hegeman omni-directionals that he powered with a 17 watt per channel Dynaco ST 35 - shouldn't work he said but worked magic. I know another person who thinks it's all down to the speakers and phono cartridge. I've heard journalists say be careful so components don't err in the same direction (compensation?), and I've heard that you should build on a speaker's strengths by finding other components that reinforce those strengths (indulge?)? Some folks say high-current trumps all other amp parameters. Can symbiosis be planned using a particular approach? Any thoughts gentlemen?

Best,
Barry :)

[YNWaN]

I think you can predict system symbiosis to a point; however, you need to know the specific qualities of the components well to do so. Sometimes system symbiosis is more a matter of gestalt rather than specific defined aspects.

I certainly don't think it is a matter of saying its all about cartridges and speakers - such a suggestion just suggests a lack of experience with decks, arm, amps etc. However, I would agree that it is important to play to each components strengths.

[Puffin]

I made a Pass F2 amp as Nelson Pass uses Horns (probably other speakers too). I use BLH Horns and the two are a great match.

If you haven't seen his Kleinhorns and Bass Tubes.

http://www.passdiy.com/pdf/KleinHorn.pdf

http://www.passdiy.com/pdf/KleinHorn2.pdf

[hoopsontoast]

1-Find speakers that suit the room
2-Find Amp that drives the speakers
3-Find CD/TT that suits the Amp/Speakers
:D

As to system matching, I think it depends on the room size, I was using some ATC SCM10's in a small room and out of a T-Amp, Bantam Gold or Sony TA-F448E the T-Amp was the clear winner, yes it would not get the best bass performance out of them but it very well controlled and open, dynamic.
I have actually found the best partner so far is the Keesonic Kolts (bought to 'downsize' from the ATCs) and with the T-Amp and Rotel RQ-970BX/Luxman PD272/Sure M97xE it really shines, I prefer it to the Bantam Gold.

In theory it should not work, £60 8wpc amp with ~80dB speakers, a cheapo Rotel Phono stage and a 'cheap' Jap-Crap DD TT ;) But its really really enjoyable and actually very good on the 'hifi' stuff too! :)