What has the biggest impact of sound quality in your Hi-Fi system?

[highfigh]

I don't understand this statement at all. How did you do a comparative analysis for dynamic range with an RTA? Did you have two of them side-by-side? Even if you did, how many segments did each band display? Perhaps 15? And how do watch two fast-moving displays simultaneously? Humans can't do that. I'm not sure what you did or what you really discovered, but this story doesn't make any sense.

Connecting one channel from each source to each channel of the equalizer made it easy and yes, it's possible to see and compare them. The differences between the channels was clearly visible and the channels were synched closely enough that there was no noticeable delay.

Use your imagination.

 

[Irvrobinson]

Connecting one channel from each source to each channel of the equalizer made it easy and yes, it's possible to see and compare them. The differences between the channels was clearly visible and the channels were synched closely enough that there was no noticeable delay.

Use your imagination.

I am using my imagination, and I'm imagining that this is a silly and inaccurate method. I use RTA software a lot, and the display moves quickly and dynamically, and looking at two displays at once and making any sort of meaningful comparative analysis would be meaningless.

 

[herbu]

I despise subjective reviews because of the over the top kind of descriptions...

At the end of the day, as you said before, it is about balance.

We agree on a lot. Good point about "air". As an old cornet player, I understand. The one thing I still can't see a way around is having the superior kind of source material of which you speak, requires you to own the media. That eliminates so many free or cheap music sources. It would severely limit your availability of, and exposure to music. (Unless you don't go "over the top" and decide you will ONLY listen to those superior sources. Then it would be OK. )

 

[TheWarrior]

Paul, excellent write-up! I greatly enjoy your sense of humor coupled with a direct approach!

 

[PENG]

We agree on a lot. Good point about "air". As an old cornet player, I understand. The one thing I still can't see a way around is having the superior kind of source material of which you speak, requires you to own the media. That eliminates so many free or cheap music sources. It would severely limit your availability of, and exposure to music. (Unless you don't go "over the top" and decide you will ONLY listen to those superior sources. Then it would be OK. )

Hey I agree, like I said I did listen to MP3s and compressed CDs too. For serious stuff I do stick to the media I spoke about and of course I paid to own them. The HD track downloads are painfully expensive and I can only hope prices will eventually come down when they get much more competition than they do now.

 

[fmw]

I only need to pick one. Clearly the most impactful product in an AV system is the subwoofer. It provides more impact than all the other equipment combined.

 

[Am386SXL]

CD/DVD Player made the biggest difference for me.

 

[shadyJ]

I only need to pick one. Clearly the most impactful product in an AV system is the subwoofer. It provides more impact than all the other equipment combined.

Agreed. A long time ago, I didn't think a subwoofer was necessary at all. But since I added one to my system, I wouldn't be able to live without it. In fact, I have come to the conclusion that the subwoofer is the only necessary component to have, and I have since sold all the rest of my speakers, so my system now only consists of an AVR and a couple of subs. I have finally achieved audiophile nirvana.

 

[Irvrobinson]

Agreed. A long time ago, I didn't think a subwoofer was necessary at all. But since I added one to my system, I wouldn't be able to live without it. In fact, I have come to the conclusion that the subwoofer is the only necessary component to have, and I have since sold all the rest of my speakers, so my system now only consists of an AVR and a couple of subs. I have finally achieved audiophile nirvana.

That explains sooo much.

 

[herbu]

my system now only consists of an AVR and a couple of subs.

Did you have any trouble finding the right point for your crossover?

 

[PENG]

We agree on a lot. Good point about "air". As an old cornet player, I understand. The one thing I still can't see a way around is having the superior kind of source material of which you speak, requires you to own the media. That eliminates so many free or cheap music sources. It would severely limit your availability of, and exposure to music. (Unless you don't go "over the top" and decide you will ONLY listen to those superior sources. Then it would be OK. )

"Air" example, there is many clips on You Tube of Alison Balsom who plays a trumpet concerto. If you have time to spare, try to find the one that you can hear some "air", hint: it was near the beginning, and send me a link so I know if we found the same one. I was quite amazed of the recording quality of that one, being that it is on You Tube.

 

[PENG]

Agreed. A long time ago, I didn't think a subwoofer was necessary at all. But since I added one to my system, I wouldn't be able to live without it. In fact, I have come to the conclusion that the subwoofer is the only necessary component to have, and I have since sold all the rest of my speakers, so my system now only consists of an AVR and a couple of subs. I have finally achieved audiophile nirvana.

Jokes aside, and you deserve a price. To be fair to fmw though, its also about balance (herbu's point, not mine). In many home systems, fmw could be absolutely right about sub being first.

 

[3db]

Lets move this debate away from CD verses vinyl and get back to what really matters,
Mood / Psychological factors. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm curious as to why this point has not scored more.

 

[herbu]

I was quite amazed of the recording quality of that one, being that it is on You Tube.

Hahahaha! Inadvertently, you have solidified my point about speakers. I get the same YouTube you do, (ie. "source"). However, I can only play it on the speakers in my laptop. I have no connection between my computer and HT.

It is a sad state, and one I have pondered off and on. But for now, Ms Balsom is quite impressive! The way she rapidly and accurately moves up and down through the notes w/ only her embouchure is maybe better than I've ever seen. But, sadly w/ only my PC speakers it's hard to identify the "air" you mention.

 

[PENG]

Hahahaha! Inadvertently, you have solidified my point about speakers. I get the same YouTube you do, (ie. "source"). However, I can only play it on the speakers in my laptop. I have no connection between my computer and HT.

You do have a smart TV, a TV with digital output, HDMI audio return, do you? Otherwise you can still do it with something like a smart BDP ($59.99 at Costco), or Apple TV (C$81.88 in Costco Canada). Then you will get the "Air"., even from You tube.

 

[TheWarrior]

Phases of the moon for sure! Used to have to close all the windows when high tide came in!

 

[herbu]

You do have a smart TV, a TV with digital output, HDMI audio return, do you?

Yes, I do. How does that help? I can access the web thru the TV, but it is much more cumbersome than typing on a full kybd.

 

[PENG]

Yes, I do. How does that help? I can access the web thru the TV, but it is much more cumbersome than typing on a full kybd.

Haha you should download an App so you can type on your smartphone or tablet keyboard. What model of smart tv and bdp?

 

[herbu]

Haha you should download an App so you can type on your smartphone or tablet keyboard. What model of smart tv and bdp?

PENG,
I really appreciate your trying to help me. Really. But I'm afraid it's a lost cause.
TV: Samsung UN55D8000YFXZA
BDP: Oppo 103

The problem is that I can type on a real kybd. Learned in high school, (on a typewriter), and it proved one of the most useful things I ever learned. But now I have the tremors in my hands. While most days I can still do ok on a real kybd, I don't have a prayer of doing that thumb thing on my phone. Sending a text means using my index finger, often steadied by my other hand. Sometimes I use a tool kinda like an ink pen but with a rubber tip on the end. I don't text much.

Things like tying a knot in fishing line or putting my contacts in/out can be really difficult. I don't have a tablet. My wife does, and loves hers. But I would be an index finger typist on it, just like my phone. I use my Thinkpad for a computer, and my iphone 4s for a cell phone.

I may have to check into the Apple TV. If I can find some device I can pair w/ my Thinkpad, (I guess via bluetooth), I might be in business.

Anyway, thanks for your help!

 

[PENG]

I may have to check into the Apple TV. If I can find some device I can pair w/ my Thinkpad, (I guess via bluetooth), I might be in business.

Anyway, thanks for your help!

Okay now I know you need a real keyboard. The $70 Apple TV: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-apple-tv-black/4854433.p?id=1218552476525 certainly seem viable for you because you can then use an iPad with its soft/fake keyboard or real wireless keyboard.

If not, you can download and try the Android app (Samsung TV Media Player by Zappo) and use an Android tablet with or without an external wireless keyboard. Zappo has one for the major Japanese brands and even Apple but nothing for Oppo.

http://www.zappo.tv/products.html
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/zappotv/id406973397?mt=8

No idea why they have one for Apple.

I have been ignoring You tube for a long time until recently I suddenly realize there are a lot of decent quality materials that are very enjoyable. It obviously depends on the quality of the uploads so you will find a lot of the same program material but only some of them are of good quality.