Originally Posted by
AJSki2fly
I think the key is that as you go up the SQ scale then hifi components tend to be more revealing and introduce less coloration to what is being played. A good example in my system is the Wilson Benesch Vectors, very accurate and detailed, especially in the Mid and Top end, they are known for this, and some have described them as having a clinical tendency, I would disagree with this view. What I do find though is that if I put a poor recording through the system, be it vinyl or digital, then its bad qualities will be greatly exposed. Previously I used Tannoys, and had a pair of older JBL's, both sounded good but they were IMO more forgiving when it came to highlighting the warts, why this was I have not idea. What I do know is that the WB's give me a more musical and accurate rendition in my set up and room, to my ears anyway.
I have and do experience the same with a couple of cartridges, I have the top end Benz Micro LP-S, a highly respected and very good MC, considered to be very musical and good at extracting detail, also a Goldring 2500 MI(moving iron) cartridge. I know with absolute certainty that they are both sonically and in terms of musical reproduction very, very similar to the extent most would find it hard to differentiate between them, certainly in a blind listen. I even suspect some would prefer the Goldring. But what I can hear with the LP-S is more very subtle detail in the mid and top end and shall we say slightly more open feel in the sound stage. What this also means is that once again the LP-S is certainly less forgiving of a poor recordings/pressings. By way I would say that in terms of VFM the 2500 is worth its weight in Goldring(sorry about the pun).
So I think when putting a system together or tuning it to what you want, it really is down to what the individual wants to hear and enjoys. For example lots of vinyl audiophiles love to use SPU cartridges, I believe many say they give a smoother and warmer rendition, making it all more musical, I would probably agree with this for certain genres, and in fact if that's your bag then there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. For me I want to try and get to hear the record as it was recorded and heard in the studio or live session, or as close as possible, probably not achievable in the real world but we can all dream. I used this extreme example because I think it applies to nearly all aspects of a system, pre-amp, amp, speakers, interconnects and speaker cables. Put one of these in a system that has a particular trait and you will emphasise that trait or balance out another or worse cause a clash. It has taken me over 4 years of gear swapping and listening to get to what I like within my budget, whether it sounds good to others or not does not really matter, it works for me and that's what is important. We may be moving house soon and I am quite concerned how it will all sound in the new lounge although after alterations it will be a similar size and layout to what we currently have so I am hoping it will still be good.
So my advice is if you are happy with how your system sounds stick with it, especially if it plays you favourite music well.