The devil is in the detail

"Money no object, what would you buy?"
"I'll buy 1st tier high end audio. You?"
"I beg to be different, I'd assemble a system that bangs on musicality."

Are you one of them too, running with your cash to the store and take delivery of latest top dollar engineering marvel home? Be the envy of thousands? Walking tall among your peers? This is an audio fantasy every audio folk wouldn't mind to have. High price correlates to better sound, the trending seems that way today.

Piano reproduction is a tough nut to crack though.

Most unfortunately, some high end equipment doesn't sound like music. Pretty sad, huh! Far too clinical and synthetic if you know what I mean. And why high end equipment inherits distinct sound character? Supposedly, without sonic signature. Abundant in detail and air but lightweight. You know what I am talking about if you are on the ball. Need not be argumentative, just listen. With greater loudness and higher dynamic on today's most desired list, the designer is on to uphill climb to realize the goal, they shouldn't compromise cohesiveness. More drivers, four boxes configuration and powered sub, these are all challenges the speaker designers are facing. Mind you, speaker is still the weakest link of the audio system. I couldn't imagine the calamitous consequences when highs and lows particularly playing their own tunes, ripping musicality apart. Ironically, I noticed many old goats still unaware of this!

Wishing thinking, I once argued that good sound could not be attained with premium parts alone, that would be too easy. I too had made that fundamental mistake. Good sounding equipment must first build upon a good topology. The devil is in the detail! Voicing is both a work of art and science. Open the lid of a component, experienced folks could make an educated guess on the sound. The greatest advantage of the manufacturers over DIYers is easy accessibility of parts and components within tight tolerances. Volume speaks louder. Part and component suppliers would be happy to sample their products in hope for commercial orders. Thing is unfortunate for the hobbyists, they will have to purchase bulk to do own pre-selection, the investment in parts and components is quickly becoming unbearable given the number of maker, part, and value.

Life is full of twists and turns. Unlikely victor, Leceister City FC clinched the prestigious English Premier League yesterday beating all expectations. No fat cheque book, no star players nor super coach, they made Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea look really bad. Now, where did that come from? Boy! I love underdog. Audio folks must do a little Leciester phenomenon, excel in one or two audio aspects to earn a little respect and accolades. This is definitely poor man's self esteem. You can't beat them at their strength (financially), go around and beat them with your game. A lot of ancient wars are won like that! Sharpen your set up skill, you know that it is an asset no one can take it away. You will get on others' nerves if you succeed even though they might not openly admitting the fact. That's human nature.

Going forward, I am not a fan of big bang music, the sky rocket highs and deepest abyss bass. Rather, I am the acoustic guy, preferring natural timbre beauty of music instrument. Dave Brubeck's Take Five is such a classic timeless example, new improvisations could not come anywhere near to the magnificent of the original, Dave's composition is perfectly right. Incidentally, an ex-colleague whom I hadn't seen and talked in years called me one day and says, this tune went on air reminds him of me. I was speechless.