TFJ100 Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 (edited) If you had to prioritise what types of sound you will get from your system, what is the order in which you would prioritise their importance? I'm not sure what the list should contain, but here are some characteristics of good sound...maybe others can add to or else criticise my list...and I am wondering if people couldn't have everything on the list, what would be the ones they think are most important. Let me have a go and people can comment: 1- Broad Soundstage 2- Deep Soundstage 3- Pinpoint Imaging 4- Airy Treble 5- Definitive Mid-range 6- Tight, Strong Bass 7- Deep Bass 8- Complete Transparency 9- Analogue Sound 10 - Tonal Accuracy (EDIT additional point from awayward comment further down) The reason I am asking is that I have changed some equipment recently and I am finding that the speakers/amps/DAC I am listening to at the moment offer quite a different presentation compared to speakers/Amps/DAC I had a couple of weeks ago. This makes me curious as to whether others have a consistent view of what is most important. In one system, it was strong in 2,4,7,9. The other system is strong in 1,3,5,6. I find my listening tends to differ because of this. In the first system, I was drawn to female vocals, string instruments and music that benefitted from a lot of air in the presentation. With System 2, I am listening more to electronic music, soundtracks, and music with drums. Curious for other people's views. Edited February 16, 2021 by tfj100 Correcting number headings, Added 10th point from suggestion 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrbugeyes Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 All of the above. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFJ100 Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 1 minute ago, mrbugeyes said: All of the above. Excellent. Which system gives it all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awayward Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 10. Tonal accuracy and then the right balance of 1 to 9 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFJ100 Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 1 minute ago, awayward said: 10. Tonal accuracy and then the right balance of 1 to 9 Ah. good description. I was going to have one which was going to be neutral balance or something similar but I couldn't quite get the wording. I'll note an EDIT to my original post and add your point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 13 minutes ago, tfj100 said: Excellent. Which system gives it all? Hah, Torben - I would say my current system delivers all of them well ... with the exception of #2, which I put down to my room size/spkr positioning (the Maggies are too close to the front wall, to deliver good depth (compared to my last room) ). Andy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFJ100 Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 1 minute ago, andyr said: Hah, Torben - I would say my current system delivers all of them well ... with the exception of #2, which I put down to my room size/spkr positioning (the Maggies are too close to the front wall, to deliver good depth (compared to my last room) ). Andy Hi Andy, - nice to hear from you! Maybe I need 11) fully remote enabled to downgrade you turntable fans...I am too lazy to get up and change a record every 30 minutes. Or have you moved to streaming yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muon* Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 Rich and full bodied with a natural tonality. I don't like anything to stand out, so a very even presentation. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 12 minutes ago, tfj100 said: Hi Andy, - nice to hear from you! And great to see a post from you, T! 12 minutes ago, tfj100 said: Maybe I need 11) fully remote enabled to downgrade you turntable fans...I am too lazy to get up and change a record every 30 minutes. Or have you moved to streaming yet? No, have not moved away from vinyl. But I can now control volume, balance and stored config (in the miniDSP) with a remote! Andy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt301 Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 I’m looking for cohesive, balanced sound across the frequency range. This probably relates closely to the tonal accuracy mentioned already. I’m also looking for dynamic ability, both macro and micro. I’m surprised dynamics haven’t been mentioned earlier. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFJ100 Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 1 minute ago, jt301 said: I’m looking for cohesive, balanced sound across the frequency range. This probably relates closely to the tonal accuracy mentioned already. I’m also looking for dynamic ability, both macro and micro. I’m surprised dynamics haven’t been mentioned earlier. Another good addition. I guess dynamics show up in a few of these (3,5,6 particularly). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muon* Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 One thing like every time these threads happen, is that different descriptives mean different things to different people. Like aspects of tonality means different things to different people. Some people tie everything to the frequency responce. *shrug* Just mentioning it. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 I've just been listening to the music for what it is lately, not worrying too much about those things. It's much more relaxing. I like the warmer side of neutral with nice detail. Not to fussed where I sit in the theatre/hall ie. soundstage. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al.M Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 (edited) Pretty much all of that but order of priority 10, 8, 5, 4, 3, 2, 7, 1. The list needs more criteria added and the types of speakers for that do it most in each category I have come across so far are: 1- Broad Soundstage - ESL, Kef Blade 2- Deep Soundstage - ESL, Kef Blade 3- Pinpoint Imaging - ESL, WAR Audio Ref 1, Kef Blade, Yamaha NS5000 4- Airy Treble - ESL, WAR Audi Ref 1, Kef Blade, Yamaha NS5000 5- Definitive Mid-range - ESL, Yamaha NS1000/5000, WAR Audio Ref 1, Kef Blade, Spendor SP100 6- Tight, Strong Bass - Yamaha NS5000, VAF I-93, Magico S5 7- Deep Bass - Yamaha NS5000, VAF I-93, WAR Audio Ref 1 8- Complete Transparency - ESL, Yamaha NS1000/5000, WAR Audio Ref 1, Kef Blade 9- Analogue Sound - ESL, Kef Blade 10 - Tonal Accuracy - ESL, Yamaha NS1000/5000, WAR Audio Ref 1, Kef Blade 11. Drive, dynamics, impact and composure at high volume levels - Yamaha NS5000, Magico S5, Edgar Horn, VAF I-93 Edited February 16, 2021 by Al.M 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sloper Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 Too enjoy it. regards Bruce 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 All above except 7 and 10. System speed/timing is important to me as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audiofeline Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 I'm thinking it's a balance between all the listed factors, as compromises are always part of the equipment (and room). Until you move into the very high-end equipment, which becomes high-end because it encompasses all of the above. And then you are still at the mercy of your room. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussievintage Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 13 hours ago, tfj100 said: 1- Broad Soundstage 2- Deep Soundstage 3- Pinpoint Imaging 4- Airy Treble 5- Definitive Mid-range 6- Tight, Strong Bass 7- Deep Bass 8- Complete Transparency 9- Analogue Sound 10 - Tonal Accuracy (EDIT additional point from awayward comment further down) 70s version flat frequency response super low distortion graphic equaliser with as many bands as possible all the controls - tone, loudness, presence, rumble filter, hiss filter, mono switching - multiple speaker pairs, multiple inputs and tape loops big VU meters and cool FM dial with a BIG inertia knob for tuning wood lattice speaker grills note: purposely skewed towards adjustability in lieu of inherent sound type note2: appearance was important to the enjoyability of the sound 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLAH BLAH Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 Values 2, 5, 8 and 9 for me...thank you! I have a preference for a deep soundstage...deep bass and analogue sound...with definitive Mid-range...and detail that is not overly uber bright and fatiguing to listen to for more than five CDs...if I like the sound no matter how low in volume it's played I know it will distract my attention from whatever jobby I am currently involved with... I think I swim against the general hi-fi tide with a preference for a musical lushness that does not drown out or blur the various musical details... Being a Sansui Amp fan from way back my listening preferences have been spoilt by that lush sounding 'loudness' switch! which I try to tame/balance with silver RCA's/Speaker cables to help delineate the details...a lush deep oceanic soundstage with schools of reflective silver details for interesting contrast/flavour... Oh and as @aussievintage mentions...the appearance of the hi-fi equipment is important to the enjoyability of the music... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFJ100 Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 (edited) Thanks for all the responses. I guess the conclusion I am drawing from them is: Everything is a priority I would like to rig up a survey (is it possible in SNA?) and the ask people to rank them, and then see what the result is when people have to pick rather than to just say "everything is important". I get that you can having everything if you buy a pair of Kef Blade or Magico S5, but I can't see that for the majority of respondents , their system (and speakers specifically) give them everything. My recent experience (with speakers under $10k worth, and amps under $10k worth) as highlighted in my post is that one system I listen to prioritises one set of outcomes, and the other gives a different set of strengths. That doesn't mean that the other qualities are completely absent, it is just that these aspects are more noticeable. The process of comparing one system against another automatically draws you to make comparative conclusions...even if you are comparing a Magico 5S vs a Kef Blade, you won't come away saying they both give you the same of everything. You are like to say something like "The Blade is stronger on deep bass vs the Magico - the Magico gives a wider soundstage" or something like that. Let me see how do to a survey... 5 minutes ago, BLAH BLAH said: Values 2, 5, 8 and 9 for me...thank you! I have a preference for a deep soundstage...deep bass and analogue sound...with definitive Mid-range...and detail that is not overly uber bright and fatiguing to listen to for more than five CDs...if I like the sound no matter how low in volume it's played I know it will distract my attention from whatever jobby I am currently involved with... I think I swim against the general hi-fi tide with a preference for a musical lushness that does not drown out or blur the various musical details... Being a Sansui Amp fan from way back my listening preferences have been spoilt by that lush sounding 'loudness' switch! which I try to tame/balance with silver RCA's/Speaker cables to help delineate the details...a lush deep oceanic soundstage with schools of reflective silver details for interesting contrast/flavour... Oh and as @aussievintage mentions...the appearance of the hi-fi equipment is important to the enjoyability of the music... Nice! Best answer so far! You are excluded from my summary which I was writing as your comment came in. Edited February 16, 2021 by tfj100 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFJ100 Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 45 minutes ago, audiofeline said: I'm thinking it's a balance between all the listed factors, as compromises are always part of the equipment (and room). Until you move into the very high-end equipment, which becomes high-end because it encompasses all of the above. And then you are still at the mercy of your room. Room is a good point. I have a Victorian house and my room is a fairly standard rectangle about 5m x 6m with high ceilings (say 4m) and floating wooden floors. I don't have any real room treatment (I but a couple of bookshelves and cushions in recently. The room is solely a work study/listening room so at least I can put the speakers exactly where I want and my listening position should be fairly perfect. If I was to guess, I would say the room is fairly "alive" compared to deadening it with treatment. I'm inclined more to find a system that works with the room rather than treat it to fit the system. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussievintage Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 11 minutes ago, BLAH BLAH said: lush deep oceanic soundstage with schools of reflective silver details for interesting contrast/flavour... Love the imagery. ... would that be sardine flavour 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audiofeline Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 9 minutes ago, tfj100 said: ...I would like to rig up a survey (is it possible in SNA?) and the ask people to rank them, and then see what the result is when people have to pick rather than to just say "everything is important"... Creating a poll thread in SNA: When you create a new topic, there are two tabs - the default is "Content", the second is "Poll" where you can get people to select either one option from the list or multiple options. I don't think it's possible to create a poll where items are ranked. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussievintage Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 10 minutes ago, tfj100 said: My recent experience (with speakers under $10k worth, and amps under $10k worth) as highlighted in my post is that one system I listen to prioritises one set of outcomes, and the other gives a different set of strengths Don't get hung up on retail cost. I have yet to hear a demo of any equipment in the +$10k bracket that makes me think the price is justified. I have heard some nice systems, but also I often am quite disappointed. That's good though, because I go home and listen to my own sub 10k systems and thoroughly enjoy myself. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordute Posted February 16, 2021 Share Posted February 16, 2021 Somewhere to listen in peace and just enjoy as it comes. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts