What does Flat earth mean to you?

[Steve Toy]

Marco, this thread has served its purpose in another way. I think we have learnt too that the perception of the term flat earth has shifted slightly in the last ten years too. Just as Linn and Naim have become more round earth - and expensive with it (a flat earth entry-level system was pretty much affordable with a term's student grant cheque back then) wwe have entered a new post FE era where subjectivism combined with the involvement factor rather than safe, inoffensive and ultimately boring hi-fi awaits some kind of re-definition.

Perhaps there is too much negativity associated with FE for it to carry us forward into the next decade now awaiting us.
I'm just not keen on "oval" or "spherical" that's all. They seem too much like a cop-out.

Marco, I think we've also learnt something from this thread.

[Themis]

As far as I'm concerned, I learned the story of "Flat Earth" !

[Marco]

That can only be a good thing, then. One can never have 'too much' knowledge...

Marco, I think we've also learnt something from this thread.

Yes indeed

Marco.

[Rare Bird]

If the reason of this thread is to keep away "measurement freaks", then subjectivism is more than enough.

Bear in mind that we need some measurements: without measurements you build nothing.
Most raw components (cables, capacitors...) are chosen through measurements.

Putting source equipment a side to concentrate on Amplification, Speakers..I always stood by if an amp has near perfect spec it's will more than likley sound rubbish to my ears. I alway have & always will buy vintage amps to use with my CD player.The addition of specialised components is De rigueur in both amp & speaker crossover for me, this doesnt take away the charm within the sound but certainly enhances the presentation/tidy things up, it won't turn an amp into a top line specified unit, it can't.

Perhaps there is too much negativity associated with FE for it to carry us forward into the next decade now awaiting us.

Two things.Everyones got wise to all the bollox that was associated with FE & secondly it is impossible for a company to survive believing in one belief, fashions change & so do company products or they will inevitably die.The same old marketing bull never changes tho..

[Steve Toy]

The idea that a music system should grab your attention rather than play to itself in the background at dinner parties is not bollox.

Some hi-fi unfortunately plays safe (is boring) and worse, some people like it that way. I'd like to think that this forum was not for them.

[Rare Bird]

In which you need imaging, soundstage, resolution, detail, pace, rhythm and timing

[Marco]

The addition of specialised components is De rigueur in both amp & speaker crossover for me, this doesnt take away the charm within the sound but certainly enhances the presentation/tidy things up...

Absolutely. That's precisely why I upgraded the crossovers on my Tannoys and obtained the very effect of which you describe

Before I did that, I could hear that there was something a bit special going on but it was being strangled somewhat by the signature of ageing electrolytic capacitors, long past their sell-by date, amongst other things. That's why I ended up spending a grand on just the crossover components alone for the Lockwoods!

Marco.

[Marco]

Here's a picture of a 'proper' speaker, dwarfing a 'toy' one:



Whatever happened to wide-baffled cabinets with decent-sized drive units... Are all speakers nowadays designed by anorexics?



Marco.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

This is about my take on the situation...

[Steve Toy]

Hamish I think you finally got it.