How do you know what you want from your system?

[MattyW]

As for how.... Changing tastes and component churn over a 15 to 20 year period. I went from high amounts of false detail, to rich warm and romantic, to refined and high powered and back towards exceptional transparency and body in amplification and speakers, and highly resolving but natural and musical source components. For me it gives the best level of insight into the recording and enjoyment. Leans a little both ways I guess.

 

Has probably cost me 200k to 300k in that timeframe, to settle on a system that's $55k all up (not including Roon as that's another $1k). At face value I'd say my current system is value for the sonics it provides, however if you factor in the overall cost of the journey..... Fark no.

Edited May 26, 2023 by MattyW

[Ittaku]

I want everything from my system, and it appears I will keep pursuing it forever.

[MattyW]

2 minutes ago, Ittaku said:

I want everything from my system, and it appears I will keep pursuing it forever.

 

I'm at a point where I have everything I could want.... A system that performs to a very high standard with any genre of music even at party levels and also at very low levels. The thing I struggle with is while I enjoy the system, I find myself bored without something to analyse and improve upon..... I'm yet to figure out another hobby where I don't have to dedicate large amounts of time to it away from my child or spouse. If I can find something of interest (preferably low cost) that would be wonderful.

[Ittaku]

1 hour ago, MattyW said:

 

I'm at a point where I have everything I could want.... A system that performs to a very high standard with any genre of music even at party levels and also at very low levels. The thing I struggle with is while I enjoy the system, I find myself bored without something to analyse and improve upon..... I'm yet to figure out another hobby where I don't have to dedicate large amounts of time to it away from my child or spouse. If I can find something of interest (preferably low cost) that would be wonderful.

Oh I'm very happy with what I have, but that doesn't mean I've stopped watching the landscape of advancements and auditioning stuff.

[Grizaudio]

54 minutes ago, MattyW said:

 

I'm at a point where I have everything I could want.... A system that performs to a very high standard with any genre of music even at party levels and also at very low levels. The thing I struggle with is while I enjoy the system, I find myself bored without something to analyse and improve upon..... I'm yet to figure out another hobby where I don't have to dedicate large amounts of time to it away from my child or spouse. If I can find something of interest (preferably low cost) that would be wonderful.

 

That's awesome. 

 

ATM, my 'system' focus is on music discovery, DSP/acoustics and room lighting. 

Its amazing what an impact one's environment has on the auditory/listening experience.

 

I also spend a good deal of time exploring Bandcamp, Pitchfork, and Roon radio V's searching for the next hardware hit. 

My latest tweak, has actually been a mood lamp, which has helped me achieve low lighting in room, and a super chilled comfy vibe.  Highly recommended. 

 

For me personally, I think a lot of my "upgraditis" came from just being bored, and simply not having the big ticket system items checked. 

Once I got my big dream purchases done, I.e. JBL M2's, amplifiers etc - I have been super content, with no ambition to upgrade, or tweak anything other than environment and DSP. 

 

If you want a great hobby to try with your son give fishing a go. @ 44 I have also taken up skateboarding with my 8 year old, and having a blast....   

 

[MattyW]

4 hours ago, Grizaudio said:

 

That's awesome. 

 

ATM, my 'system' focus is on music discovery, DSP/acoustics and room lighting. 

Its amazing what an impact one's environment has on the auditory/listening experience.

 

I also spend a good deal of time exploring Bandcamp, Pitchfork, and Roon radio V's searching for the next hardware hit. 

My latest tweak, has actually been a mood lamp, which has helped me achieve low lighting in room, and a super chilled comfy vibe.  Highly recommended. 

 

For me personally, I think a lot of my "upgraditis" came from just being bored, and simply not having the big ticket system items checked. 

Once I got my big dream purchases done, I.e. JBL M2's, amplifiers etc - I have been super content, with no ambition to upgrade, or tweak anything other than environment and DSP. 

 

If you want a great hobby to try with your son give fishing a go. @ 44 I have also taken up skateboarding with my 8 year old, and having a blast....   

 

Once we build our new home I’m going to see what we can do about room treatment (diffusers etc) once we build our new place and will experiment with REW also though not until that time.

 

I’ve a 4 yo daughter so currently a little limited with activities. We’ll get there though. No need changing any system components though. It’s done, unless Clayton Gieseler does a network streamer of course. Not currently on the cards though also not completely ruled out I believe. Could reduce box count

[Assisi]

On 26/05/2023 at 12:53 PM, Ittaku said:

Oh I'm very happy with what I have, but that doesn't mean I've stopped watching the landscape of advancements and auditioning stuff.

I am like wise very satisfied SQ wise at this time with the level that I have reached with my system playback.  However  I have not auditioned new components at all recently. My intuition based upon my experience  time tells me that there are probably definite improvements that I could make.  I am not sure at the moment though, whether I want to purchase just more expensive components.  Much of what I have done recently is to fine tune my digital network to achieve surprising benefits with streaming. The use of an external clock would be interesting.  Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, none of the items that I have have facilities for external clock connections.

 

I should just sit back and listen more for the musical pleasure

John

[MattyW]

On 26/5/2023 at 12:53 PM, Ittaku said:

Oh I'm very happy with what I have, but that doesn't mean I've stopped watching the landscape of advancements and auditioning stuff.

I get it only too well…. Feels somewhat like an addiction….. It’s certainly been an obsession. Thing is my obsessions tend to have a 15 year lifespan before I search out something else. It started with music and mutated into far more than that….. Rather the equipment also. Online companionship with those who have similar interests etc. A brotherhood or maybe even cult so to speak.

Edited May 27, 2023 by MattyW

[MattyW]

On 26/5/2023 at 12:56 PM, Grizaudio said:

 

That's awesome. 

 

ATM, my 'system' focus is on music discovery, DSP/acoustics and room lighting. 

Its amazing what an impact one's environment has on the auditory/listening experience.

 

I also spend a good deal of time exploring Bandcamp, Pitchfork, and Roon radio V's searching for the next hardware hit. 

My latest tweak, has actually been a mood lamp, which has helped me achieve low lighting in room, and a super chilled comfy vibe.  Highly recommended. 

 

For me personally, I think a lot of my "upgraditis" came from just being bored, and simply not having the big ticket system items checked. 

Once I got my big dream purchases done, I.e. JBL M2's, amplifiers etc - I have been super content, with no ambition to upgrade, or tweak anything other than environment and DSP. 

 

If you want a great hobby to try with your son give fishing a go. @ 44 I have also taken up skateboarding with my 8 year old, and having a blast....   

 

You’re more proactive in searching out music than I am. I find much of what I discover is either through Roon Radio, Roon suggestions, looking up songs I hear on the radio when I drive somewhere or music used in equipment reviews. The reviews in particular allow me to find things I like far outside of what I’d usually listen to.

 

Yours is one of a number of systems I’d love to hear, likewise @Ittakuand @kelossus always have very interesting systems that I believe would sound great. @Assisi has written so much regarding his network experiences thatI believe his system must be exceptionally revealing and transparent also so there’s another just from those active in this thread alone. It’s just I lack free time (away from family) to listen to others systems in Brissie nowadays let alone elsewhere.
 

Nonetheless I can sometimes convince someone to visit me instead and I enjoy the company and shared interest greatly.  

Edited May 27, 2023 by MattyW

[Ittaku]

Well if anyone's ever in Melbourne from interstate and doing some hifi visits, they're welcome to message me and come around with enough warning and a bottle of red

[MattyW]

47 minutes ago, Ittaku said:

Well if anyone's ever in Melbourne from interstate and doing some hifi visits, they're welcome to message me and come around with enough warning and a bottle of red

Not cognac? Remy Martin VSOP and Monnet are my current favourites though I’m still partial to a bottle of Barossa Ink Shiraz. Reasonably priced and really rich and full bodied. Like velvet on your tongue. None of the pepper/bite Shiraz is known for 

Edited May 27, 2023 by MattyW

[Ittaku]

Just now, MattyW said:

Not cognac? Remy Martin VSOP and Monnet are my current favourites though I’m still partial to a bottle of Barossa Ink Shiraz. Reasonably priced and really rich and full bodied. Like velvet on your tongue.

I do love my cognac too, but red is more manageable for most people. Hennessy VSOP is my regular.

[tripitaka]

I would say my system is still at an early stage of development but, regardless, I appreciate transparency more than anything else.

 

While at some point I expect to go on another buying spree, I currently believe there is more to be achieved from DSP, a tech that I'm beginning to understand.

 

Perhaps in some other reality I could have kidded myself that I have a great system, but I know that is not true having heard much better (looking at you @Ittaku).

 

[Ittaku]

8 minutes ago, tripitaka said:

I would say my system is still at an early stage of development but, regardless, I appreciate transparency more than anything else.

 

While at some point I expect to go on another buying spree, I currently believe there is more to be achieved from DSP, a tech that I'm beginning to understand.

 

Perhaps in some other reality I could have kidded myself that I have a great system, but I know that is not true having heard much better (looking at you @Ittaku).

 

To be fair, I doubt many people have spent anywhere near as much as I have on hifi. Whilst there are a lot of - how do I put this - "jewellery based" expensive purchases, there should be some elevation in quality concomitant with price, even if it's not going to be a linearly proportional improvement (but that's not always the case.)

Edited June 18, 2023 by Ittaku

[Assisi]

1 hour ago, Ittaku said:

there should be some elevation in quality concomitant with price, even if it's not going to be a linearly proportional improvement (but that's not always the case.)

The "Law of Diminishing Returns" will prevail.

John

[Stereophilus]

1 hour ago, tripitaka said:

I would say my system is still at an early stage of development but, regardless, I appreciate transparency more than anything else.

 

While at some point I expect to go on another buying spree, I currently believe there is more to be achieved from DSP, a tech that I'm beginning to understand.

 

Perhaps in some other reality I could have kidded myself that I have a great system, but I know that is not true having heard much better (looking at you @Ittaku).

 

May I recommend to you the services of Mr @frednork….   His skills with DSP have elevated my system several times.  I will also say that you should try to optimise your room as much as possible before you look to DSP.  And definitely invest in the room and DSP before you invest heavily in equipment.

[tripitaka]

10 minutes ago, Stereophilus said:

May I recommend to you the services of Mr @frednork….   His skills with DSP have elevated my system several times.  I will also say that you should try to optimise your room as much as possible before you look to DSP.  And definitely invest in the room and DSP before you invest heavily in equipment.

I was pleased to recently meet the charming @frednork

 

Like most folks, I guess, there are pretty tight restrictions on what I can do with treatment in the main living room but, yes, I did discover the limitations of DSP (having implemented FIR at varying levels of aggression in smoothing the curve). 

And don't worry, I won't be buying Rockports anytime soon

 

 

 

[MattyW]

2 minutes ago, tripitaka said:

I was pleased to recently meet the charming @frednork

 

Like most folks, I guess, there are pretty tight restrictions on what I can do with treatment in the main living room but, yes, I did discover the limitations of DSP (having implemented FIR at varying levels of aggression in smoothing the curve). 

And don't worry, I won't be buying Rockports anytime soon

 

 

 

Little more than a rug here…. I hope to do more in time unless I’m overruled.

[evil c]

1 hour ago, Stereophilus said:

May I recommend to you the services of Mr @frednork….   His skills with DSP have elevated my system several times.  I will also say that you should try to optimise your room as much as possible before you look to DSP.  And definitely invest in the room and DSP before you invest heavily in equipment.

Ssssshhhhhh!!

He hates his services being publicised, he has already warned me off after l made the mistake of extolling his talents!

Besides best we keep him to ourselves, we don't want the masses to corrupt him!

Damn my system is sounding mighty fine, after a recent visit by an anonymous individual .

Edited June 18, 2023 by evil c

[frednork]

33 minutes ago, tripitaka said:

Like most folks, I guess, there are pretty tight restrictions on what I can do with treatment in the main living room 

I have found some rooms really need more treatment but others have none and seem to work quite well and allow dsp to do some improvement. Furnishings and carpet can go a long way to being "natural" room treatment and (panel) treatment is not mandatory. 

 

33 minutes ago, tripitaka said:

I did discover the limitations of DSP (having implemented FIR at varying levels of aggression in smoothing the curve). 

 

There is a lot to consider in there both from the dsp technical side and, as I am now  learning,  also the psychology of how it is received and perceived. 

[Stereophilus]

23 minutes ago, evil c said:

Ssssshhhhhh!!

He hates his services being publicised, he has already warned me off after l made the mistake of extolling his talents!

Besides best we keep him to ourselves, we don't want the masses to corrupt him!

Damn my system is sounding mighty fine, after a recent visit by an anonymous individual .

Oh, you bought that line did you?  Don’t be deceived… We are all mere pawns in his grand plan.  In service of the greater work, I seek only a little drip feed of improvements here and there, along with an occasional glimpse of the latest “geek chic” 

[evil c]

2 minutes ago, Stereophilus said:

Oh, you bought that line did you?  Don’t be deceived… We are all mere pawns in his grand plan.  In service of the greater work, I seek only a little drip feed of improvements here and there, along with an occasional glimpse of the latest “geek chic” 

You make a valid point, he employed subtle psychological techniques on me , ( in tandem with @TerryO) on the benefits of HQ Player over Roon!

I suspect paid agent(s) for them!

It's just a cunning plan to get you hooked, way too complex for a gullible fool like myself!

Frednork " don't press this button or that button, HQ is very complicated!".

Me , one hour later - now was it that button or this one?? 

What about if l just press the others??

After pressing lots more control  buttons -me to frednork, "it won't work" !!!

Frednork to me, " you pressed the button l told you not to press didn't you!!??

[Stereophilus]

9 minutes ago, evil c said:

You make a valid point, he employed subtle psychological techniques on me , ( in tandem with @TerryO) on the benefits of HQ Player over Roon!

yes, I was party to that too!

9 minutes ago, evil c said:

I suspect paid agent(s) for them!

Oh, no, it goes deeper than that!

9 minutes ago, evil c said:

It's just a cunning plan to get you hooked, way too complex for a gullible fool like myself!

Frednork " don't press this button or that button, HQ is very complicated!".

Me , one hour later - now was it that button or this one?? 

What about if l just press the others??

After pressing lots more control  buttons -me to frednork, "it won't work" !!!

Frednork to me, " you pressed the button l told you not to press didn't you!!??

How many times has he sent you a new filter and asked for your feedback?  Quite a few times right?  Read the quote below…

 

34 minutes ago, frednork said:

There is a lot to consider in there both from the dsp technical side and, as I am now  learning,  also the psychology of how it is received and perceived. 

Learning…. Evolving…. Using our experiences… Look, I don’t think it’s too far fetched to suggest that @frednork is actually a cyborg sent back in time from the future by an AI seeking answers to the mysteries of audiophile perception!  Resistance is futile!

[BLAH BLAH]

5 hours ago, Ittaku said:

To be fair, I doubt many people have spent anywhere near as much as I have on hifi. Whilst there are a lot of - how do I put this - "jewellery based" expensive purchases, there should be some elevation in quality concomitant with price, even if it's not going to be a linearly proportional improvement (but that's not always the case.)

Subtitles plz...

[Bass13]

I would love the get absolutely everything out of what sources/equipment I already have.

 

My TT is done, I'm extremely happy how she sings, and will not be touching it until I need a new cart.

 

As for digital (Streamer), I'm still in the process of refining what I have, within a cost effective way to improve, and squeeze every last bit of juice out of her, through software & any other cost affective way (switch, LPS power supplies, cables, Roon cores, etc), and I would do this regardless of what brand/type of streamer source I have. I'm nearly there....

 

As for the Room, no treatments are currently in, I've had my room measured/tested , it seems that my room even with no treatment is pretty good as is, but as they say.....apparently the room will be better with treatments.

 

I will be testing a different position for my speakers, my room has two openings, I'm currently in a near field listening position, will be moving just my Amp and two speakers to the long end of the room, and testing that. If I like the imaging depth, sound, etc better it will stay there.

 

Which leads me to the final position of my system, then I will get my electrician to install a few 20Amp GPO's & a few direct lines.

 

Now that it all should be sweet, back to getting in Christian Corsini to do the room sweeps, etc...

What worries me, is he will tell me the system will sound even better with Sub/Subs (which he already has), and you know what most Hifi lovers do when they know it can sound better, we generally do it, when we can afford it or when the Mrs is not looking.