View Full Version : So How Does Your System Sound
RobbieGong
17-01-2013, 22:12
So how would you describe the overall sound of your system ? Analytical, warm, musical, detailed ???? How much of a sense of that sought after realism is there ? Being totally honest I'd describe mine as having a presentation definately veering (or veered) to the bright, sparkly side. Add to that detailed, musical and a 'degree' of realism and thats probably a pretty good description or idea of its sound. Now I know in hifi many dont like bright but I much prefer bright over neutral / dull where I find myself reaching for a tone control which may well not be there :lol: So how does your system sound ?
Bit 'flabby' at the moment, just plugged in some new speakers & don't think they like the placement. Will be experimenting at the weekend.
musical , and very dynamic , not everyones' taste but loads of detail and although huge dynamics , a very enjoyable listen , i don't like sterile , i like lively
Mine has a huge soundstage, with lots of resolution and scale. Would not described it as bright has a more analogue sound but loads of detail too. The system really rocks but can listen without a sense of fatigue.
johnwhit
18-01-2013, 09:44
Mine's big, emotive and dynamic with plenty of detail but I wouldn't describe it as bright or harsh, I can listen to it for hours on end, but definitely couldn't fall asleep listening:lol:
John
Very musical, detailed and not fatiguing to listen to...
a forum pal who visted at the weekend described it thus:
"lovely sound...very open with lots of detail..and very reasonable bass considering the small side firing subs...a real nice system.....could listen to this system all day and night...I thought it was going to be too bright and sparkly...but no..very easy on the ears...even at low volume it still retains dynamics"
I was happy with this feedback as it was what I'd aimed for, since then I've upgraded the mains cables, adjusted speaker spikes to tilt them back a bit and will be installing a v-link II into the setup. All of these little tweaks aim to enhance rather than detract from the qualities I enjoy.
I like how my system can really surprise me, even after all this time. For example, I had an old 1980's compo CD playing last night for some background listening as I was browsing on the forum and Haircut 100's Fantastic Day came on. In its day I considered this track to be a little bit twee so it has never been a particular favourite of mine, but listening to it for the first time on this system I am staggered at how well produced it is. Anyone who is familiar with the track will know there is a horn section present which plays a little break between each verse and they fairly leapt into being within the room whenever they played, which is what first drew my attention away from my laptop. As I listened more intently I really began to get into the groove and enjoy the song. Pretty amazing really :)
I am currently listening to Ghost, a live recording of one of Gary Numan's 1989 exhibition tour performances and quite honestly, I could be there. Simply wonderful stuff :cool:
Haselsh1
18-01-2013, 10:36
In a word, 'dry'. Many people have commented that Celestion's are bright and thin. I can assure they are not. They have a seriously good bass extension for when I am listening to trance and electronica but also have a lovely dry sound for Acoustic Alchemy. I so want to upgrade components in my system but so don't want to mess it up altogether.
walpurgis
18-01-2013, 11:25
The sound I'm getting is very seriously good. Huge soundstage and depth, pinpoint positioning within the projected image, apparent total transparency and all bass notes are accurate, no boom or thinness. You can really hear right into the music seemingly to infinite depths. Great stuff! Some of my friends are into Hi-Fi, but just can't believe the sound I achieve. Mind you I've been at it for forty years, so I should be getting it right by now.
dantheman91
18-01-2013, 11:37
Sweet , detailed , huge sound stage , Lively and ROCKS
freefallrob
18-01-2013, 11:42
Surprisingly, foot tappingly enjoyable!
big al was full of praise rich , after the scottish trip we'll have a day at mine :)
Very musical, detailed and not fatiguing to listen to...
a forum pal who visted at the weekend described it thus:
"lovely sound...very open with lots of detail..and very reasonable bass considering the small side firing subs...a real nice system.....could listen to this system all day and night...I thought it was going to be too bright and sparkly...but no..very easy on the ears...even at low volume it still retains dynamics"
I was happy with this feedback as it was what I'd aimed for, since then I've upgraded the mains cables, adjusted speaker spikes to tilt them back a bit and will be installing a v-link II into the setup. All of these little tweaks aim to enhance rather than detract from the qualities I enjoy.
Respectfully here
Silky Juicing to the extreme
steveledzep
18-01-2013, 18:35
Unable to make "review" type descriptions. I've been at this hobby a long time and I presently have the best sounding kit I've ever had ! Roksan cdp has been a revelation.
Very happy with the sound of mine.
Only area i want to visit is a subwoofer.
big al was full of praise rich , after the scottish trip we'll have a day at mine :)
Cheers Tommy, I'll look forward to hearing your system. Al spoke in highly reverent terms about it.
You'd also be welcome round for a listen, weekends are usually best (except for next week when I'm north of the border myself visiting a pal).
Since Al's visit I've taken on some of his comments about tuning my speakers to the awkward space they're in and isolating them a bit better and I've been adding new mains cables and digital trickery. Dont know if you subscribe to that sort of thing but right now the system has never sounded sweeter and I'm having a bit shuffle around the living room with a few after work pints in me. :cool:
brian2957
18-01-2013, 19:22
How did you get on with the Black Rhodium mains cable Richard ?
How did you get on with the Black Rhodium mains cable Richard ?
:lol: Just posted on the other thread mate... You need to hear these!
brian2957
18-01-2013, 19:27
Just saw it Richard :doh: Glad you're very happy with the cables .
:)it is something i have strove for , for years , as a younger self , bass player , i wantaed a system that did not miss a bass note , asa you know paddling down to the low 30's is lost on most speakers , so set out for a pair that did middish 20's , but also needed , dynamics , scale , detail , and have that bassman , marshell in the room kinda thing , been a long long road , but managed most of the above , especialy missing bass notes , i know how much "floyd" means to you , so pulse is on the agender , as a live musician , i think (hope) you will like a lot , same as you grandkid no9 has arrived so also north of the border for a week , when back we will arrange something via alan and hook up
Cheers Tommy, I'll look forward to hearing your system. Al spoke in highly reverent terms about it.
You'd also be welcome round for a listen, weekends are usually best (except for next week when I'm north of the border myself visiting a pal).
Since Al's visit I've taken on some of his comments about tuning my speakers to the awkward space they're in and isolating them a bit better and I've been adding new mains cables and digital trickery. Dont know if you subscribe to that sort of thing but right now the system has never sounded sweeter and I'm having a bit shuffle around the living room with a few after work pints in me. :cool:
:)it is something i have strove for , for years , as a younger self , bass player , i wantaed a system that did not miss a bass note , asa you know paddling down to the low 30's is lost on most speakers , so set out for a pair that did middish 20's , but also needed , dynamics , scale , detail , and have that bassman , marshell in the room kinda thing , been a long long road , but managed most of the above , especialy missing bass notes , i know how much "floyd" means to you , so pulse is on the agender , as a live musician , i think (hope) you will like a lot , same as you grandkid no9 has arrived so also north of the border for a week , when back we will arrange something via alan and hook up
sounds good mate, be good to talk bass and floydy things when we meet up. In the meantime congrats on the new family member.
All the best
Rich
Canetoad
19-01-2013, 09:51
:lol: Just posted on the other thread mate... You need to hear these!
Which thread is this Rich? :)
Which thread is this Rich? :)
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23004
Mine sounds the best stereo system l have had at home, and l have had a lot of very expensive kit in the past, this one at the moment is modest in terms of cost, it is so musical, l am not getting stuff done:( l would say my system, is warm, large imaged, full, very quiet and so,so musical a halfway house between Naim and EAR/Yoshino, for my Christmas pressie l recieved a battery PSU for my Virtue Audio Sensation and holy cow this is a large upgrade for the system- so l am a very happy bunny:band:
Oh did l mention this is an all day sound?:)
So How Does Your System Sound?
Absolutely glorious, I have finally found the perfect sound for me and all I do now is 'hear' the music, I don't ever 'listen' to my system as its not there ;)
Right now I have The Band playing Whispering Pines . . . . beautiful, truly beautiful.
Absolutely glorious, I have finally found the perfect sound for me and all I do now is 'hear' the music, I don't ever 'listen' to my system as its not there ;)
Right now I have The Band playing Whispering Pines . . . . beautiful, truly beautiful.
Result!:cool:
Stratmangler
19-01-2013, 22:28
So how does your system sound ?
Feckin' incredible :eyebrows:
Does listening to it give you a nice big purple 'bulb'? If so, you're sorted! :exactly:
Marco.
Stratmangler
19-01-2013, 23:08
Does listening to it give you a nice big purple 'bulb'? If so, you're sorted! :exactly:
Marco.
I can't stop myself from having a boogie :gig:
Dunno about that (excessive blood pressure and all that :( ), but at modest volume levels I'm hearing far more in the MUSIC (rather than the sound) that I've heard in years from my home stuff and this amazes me since the gear concerned is nearly forty years old (the sources slightly newer.....). Suits me anyway, and that's all that matters...
Dunno about that (excessive blood pressure and all that :( ), but at modest volume levels I'm hearing far more in the MUSIC (rather than the sound) that I've heard in years from my home stuff and this amazes me since the gear concerned is nearly forty years old (the sources slightly newer.....). Suits me anyway, and that's all that matters...
40 year old gear .. it shows how far things have come,
my lounge system has a pair of valves that are 80 years old in everyday use, mixed with the best of modern stuff is where the best sounds are my opinion.
my lounge system has a pair of valves that are 80 years old in everyday use, mixed with the best of modern stuff is where the best sounds are my opinion.
Yup - combining the best of old and new technologies is defo where it's at! :exactly:
Marco,
realysm42
20-01-2013, 13:50
I love the way mine sounds; it's developed so much (mainly with the advice from you guys) in the last year; it's a constant source of happiness for me.
It's very detailed without being analytical although I don't really know how to describe a sound for it. It would be interesting to have someone check it out one day and see if they can give any pointers.
Rare Bird
20-01-2013, 15:07
Since my TT is a dinosaurus Idler Wheel contraption, The Pick-Up arm is an out of fashion unipivot, Cart is very crazy high compliance, the amp is a really past it 1969 model & the Speakurs some 'Too Small' paper cone jobbies from 1974 it's bound to be crap sounding innit :eyebrows:
Pete The Cat
20-01-2013, 15:35
Mine makes me smile when I play music that I haven't heard for a while. Which is a good sign.
Pete
I am waiting for someone to say their system sounds poor :eyebrows:
Difficult to have a really poor sounding system these days unless you go out of your way to do it. I've managed it on occasion ;)
According to a friend and neighbour who is a musician my system has ' both bass and crunch' and a 'lovely warm sound.'
Rare Bird
20-01-2013, 16:32
I am waiting for someone to say their system sounds poor :eyebrows:
I just have :lol:
I am waiting for someone to say their system sounds poor :eyebrows:
I did, see post #2
Rare Bird
20-01-2013, 16:39
Don't knock it Roy all the supposid good ones ive heard over the last couple year are truly shyte :lol:
dantheman91
20-01-2013, 16:42
Mine gives me "goose bumps".
At the moment my cheaply sourced e-bay stuff is sounding better than my main system :(
nowt wrong with old gear .
split amp as pre , sansui , i was still at school , and i'm 57,serial number puts it circa 1969/70
speakers , well punk / new wave inspection stamp , 1978 ,
power amp , 1980's ,
CDP 1987 ish
turntable , original AR the turntable ,
meriidian early 90's 563 dac ,
but it boogy woogys , love the sound , can listen endlessly
Mine sounds the best stereo system l have had at home, and l have had a lot of very expensive kit in the past, this one at the moment is modest in terms of cost, it is so musical, l am not getting stuff done:( l would say my system, is warm, large imaged, full, very quiet and so,so musical a halfway house between Naim and EAR/Yoshino, for my Christmas pressie l recieved a battery PSU for my Virtue Audio Sensation and holy cow this is a large upgrade for the system- so l am a very happy bunny:band:
Oh did l mention this is an all day sound?:)
Oopsnearly forgot explicit imaging, world class bass control( without the aid of Acoustic treatments) and very little noise?:cool:
hifinutt
20-01-2013, 17:37
very pleased with system at the moment , had to part with 2 of the best pre amps ever arc ref5se and mfa baby ref
both awesome pre amps and had the good fortune to find a puresound L10
obviously its not as good but the sound is very real with lots of presence , lots of detail without being hard , not too much bass and very balanced with great midrange
pretty good stuff but one is never satisfied is one !!!
40 year old gear .. it shows how far things have come,
my lounge system has a pair of valves that are 80 years old in everyday use, mixed with the best of modern stuff is where the best sounds are my opinion.
Same as, the valves are from 1945 along with à circuit from long agö, sorry for the accents but i'm typing on à swedish iPad
Rich, go for the VLink 192 in your system, sounds a lot better than the standard Vlink 2.
Appreciate its a bit more moolah, but having had both I can say the improvements well worth it.
What effect did you get tilting your RS3's?
Might try it myself!
Very musical, detailed and not fatiguing to listen to...
a forum pal who visted at the weekend described it thus:
"lovely sound...very open with lots of detail..and very reasonable bass considering the small side firing subs...a real nice system.....could listen to this system all day and night...I thought it was going to be too bright and sparkly...but no..very easy on the ears...even at low volume it still retains dynamics"
I was happy with this feedback as it was what I'd aimed for, since then I've upgraded the mains cables, adjusted speaker spikes to tilt them back a bit and will be installing a v-link II into the setup. All of these little tweaks aim to enhance rather than detract from the qualities I enjoy.
steviej233
22-01-2013, 09:25
I am really happy with my system at the moment, since upgrading the speakers cables (thanks to David @ MCRU) and cleaning all of the contacts on my system and with the advice of you lot my system has a new lease of life. I love getting a new Album and seeing how it sounds, i got the XX album and was blown away. I have recently been re-discovering my old music and i remember why i keep adding to my system. I would say that my system is detailed and warm sounding. :)
Mine's not sounding much at all at the moment due to not enough time to listen... :( But when it does it constantly surprises me how good it sounds for not much money - I totally love the BBC speaker sound - especially the 1ft x 1ft x 2ft variety, where the midrange is sublime for the type of music I love - female vocal, mainly - and my SP1s were a bargain a couple or 3 years ago. I can listen for hours without getting bored or fatigued - just need to find the time to!
magiccarpetride
24-01-2013, 00:47
So how would you describe the overall sound of your system ? Analytical, warm, musical, detailed ???? How much of a sense of that sought after realism is there ? Being totally honest I'd describe mine as having a presentation definately veering (or veered) to the bright, sparkly side. Add to that detailed, musical and a 'degree' of realism and thats probably a pretty good description or idea of its sound. Now I know in hifi many dont like bright but I much prefer bright over neutral / dull where I find myself reaching for a tone control which may well not be there :lol: So how does your system sound ?
Great question. I found out that one of the best ways to evaluate one's sound system is to spend some time away from it. Then, upon returning to it, it's easier to hear things with 'fresh ears'.
I was forced by a very busy schedule to spend almost a month away from my stereo. I've finally returned to it last night, and was startled at how DIFFERENT it sounded. By different, I mean totally different from any other sound reproduction system that I was exposed to in the past month or so. From the sound coming from my computer, to the sound I've been hearing in the movie theatre, etc. All of a sudden, after I've fired the first track through my giant Maggies speakers, it was as if I've discovered another dimension, or another sensory input if you will. Almost beyond plain hearing with one's ears.
I attribute a lot of that to the improvements that the Bushmaster DAC brought in for me. The overall sound through the Maggies is a bit on the dark side, but I like it exactly that way. Maggies are (in)famous for being somewhat on a bright side, and that was something that used to slightly bother me, but right now they sound dark, almost menacing, but in a hair-raising authoritative way. The quality of this sound cannot be compared to any other sound reproduction system I've ever heard. The best way I could describe it is 'palpable'. Almost three dimensional, but not in an intrusive way. It's not in-your-face, it's not shouting at you (not even at loud levels) but it is there, convincingly and physically present. I'm loving it!
My system sounds very musical. Top end is detailed and delicate and hairy. Midrange is informative crisp. Bass is big tight controlled and very deep. All integrates superbly for a 3 way design. Big head room as well and wide dynamic soundstage. I would like the mids to be a little more forward at times but generally i am very happy with my system but may try some different interconnects. Maybe some Mark Grants 1500 or 2000.
My system is J.Wood valve integrated. Big 30kg 70WPC and will drive anything.
Electrocompaniet EMC 1up CDP.
Snell C1 3 way floor standing speakers. 1986 vintage.
Cables from Chord and Harmonic.
Top end is detailed and delicate and hairy.
hairy :scratch:
chris@panteg
24-01-2013, 11:39
I have to be honest and say my upstairs system doesn't quite gel ! Pretty happy with the downstairs AV set up , but the former sounds a little too full and fruity , I think the problem is the combination of the Marrantz pearl lite and AE linear three's , just no synergy at all ? So for the foreseeable future , the pearl's tone controls will come into play .
hairy :scratch:
That's right. If your top end's not hairy then you've got issues...
Ali Tait
24-01-2013, 14:33
Aye. Yer a chrome dome.
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