Expensive system for non audiophile listeners - is it worth it?

[Joel27]

My collection is 85% rock/alternative spanning 67-98, 8% jazz, 7% classical. Some days I do miss my mid-fi setup because the rabbit hole has no end. But to say that I wish my system as a whole was less resolving regardless of the type of music I listen to would be a disservice.

 

[thedudeabides]

The OP is simply questioning, IMHO, the value of having a good system when most of the music he listens to is poorly recorded, compressed, etc. Given the fact he started this thread, that's an indicator of where he falls on the quality gear / crappy source music spectrum.

And for those who listen to crappy sounding music on a resolving systems, have you ever considered that you might enjoy the music as much on a mediocre system, say at a friends house. And with a mediocre recording, are you really 100% focused on what you are hearing, your emotional connection and listening for audiophile type nuances? Maybe but in many cases, unlikely.

 

[Holmz]

My collection is 85% rock/alternative spanning 67-98, 8% jazz, 7% classical. Some days I do miss my mid-fi setup because the rabbit hole has no end. But to say that I wish my system as a whole was less resolving regardless of the type of music I listen to would be a disservice. View attachment 158251

And the obligatory Pink Floyd poster on the LHS wall

 

[Rexp]

Yes the more resolving your system is, the worse it's gonna sound with poor recordings. The OP could get a less resolving second system with an amp with EQ and lower level fun speakers from the likes of Klipsch or just add those Klipsch to his existing rig.

About 50% of the LP's I bought were too poor to enjoy, irrespective of genre, something you just have to accept.

 

[Holmz]

Yes the more resolving your system is, the worse it's gonna sound with poor recordings. The OP could get a less resolving second system with an amp with EQ and lower level fun speakers from the likes of Klipsch or just add those Klipsch to his existing rig.

I am not a fan of Klipsch, but I may be in the minority here.

About 50% of the LP's I bought were too poor to enjoy, irrespective of genre, something you just have to accept.

That’s sort of like avoid the Porsche because the majorly of the fuel bowsers are 91 octane…

One can make a cogent argument that an amp that does some EQ like the lyngdorf TDAI might be worthwhile.
And a preamp with tone controls can be argued similarly.

... I am a huge music fan - but I mainly come from a subcultural background. I like Ska, Punk, Rockabilly and Psychobilly, some Country/Folk and so on... I do not listen to Classical or Jazz and certainly don`t buy music because it`s "audiophile". Still I enjoy my system (suppose it`s entry level for most here but still above average for most) and I do like what it does with most albums. On the other hand I sometimes wonder if it actually makes sense considering my musical preferences or if it`s basically just wasted potential... any thoughts on this? Anyone else care for the hobby but mainly listen to non audiophile music/recordings?

Jez - that equipment in the signature block is a bit good. Especially the Dohmann set up.

 

[Al M.]

One can make a cogent argument that an amp that does some EQ like the lyngdorf TDAI might be worthwhile.
And a preamp with tone controls can be argued similarly.

My Octave HP700 preamp has a very transparent tone control, as an option that I chose to get. I rarely use it (entirely bypassed), but I do on some rock albums. On Green Day for example I raise the bass a few dB, otherwise it's much less enjoyable.

I never understood the audiophile purist attitude on this subject. It simply makes no sense. Why should I take a drunken tone mixer's judgment, perhaps on studio monitors in a room that does its own bad equalization on those speakers, as the last word?

 

[Rexp]

That’s sort of like avoid the Porsche because the majorly of the fuel bowsers are 91 octane…

Sorry I don't get your comparison, or why you posted it, please explain.

 

[bonzo75]

many listeners prefer non audiophile music, and appreciate that music sounding it's best. you will find you have plenty of company being a non jazz non classical audiophile. many like to explore the outer reaches of music.

being an audiophile is simply appreciation of better sounding music reproduction, not anything to do with what that music is. if you appreciate that your preferred music sounds better with your system than more pedestrian ways to hear it, that is all that matters to justify you having it.

The issue is that before non audiophiles turn audiophiles, they have poor sounding recordings (even many audiophiles do) . This is not necessarily a genre issue, though can be. After they make the jump to higher resolution systems, they get disillusioned because the music they liked on non audiophile systems no longer sounds good. At this point, they either expand their knowledge to get better recordings of the same music, and can expand music knowledge.

 

[Al M.]

I would love people to include their listening preferences in their signatures. I honestly don’t have much in common with WBF members who almost exclusively listen to classical music.

Done. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Newton John]

One of the major advantages of a good hifi system is that it enables you to get into a much wider range of listening experiences and stop focussing exclusively on the small amount music you are already like because you’re familiar with it.

Unfortunately, a rubbish album is poor no matter what kind of system you have.

 

[Holmz]

Sorry I don't get your comparison, or why you posted it, please explain.

It is not difficult…

Don’t have a good system, because many recordings are bad.
==
Don’t have a performance car, because low octane fuel can’t be used.

The duel and the records are the medium/fuel.
The car is the stereo equipment.

 

[Lagonda]

The issue is that before non audiophiles turn audiophiles, they have poor sounding recordings (even many audiophiles do) . This is not necessarily a genre issue, though can be. After they make the jump to higher resolution systems, they get disillusioned because the music they liked on non audiophile systems no longer sounds good. At this point, they either expand their knowledge to get better recordings of the same music, and can expand music knowledge.

Your usual nonsense, most music is not available in "better recordings" most people don't listen to classical music. The recordings are what they are, unless you want to change your music taste to accommodate your system, as some do, tough luck.

 

[bonzo75]

Your usual nonsense, most music is not available in "better recordings" most people don't listen to classical music. The recordings are what they are, unless you want to change your music taste to accommodate your system, as some do, tough luck.

If you want to play bad recordings have a low fi system

 

[Al M.]

Your usual nonsense, most music is not available in "better recordings" most people don't listen to classical music. The recordings are what they are, unless you want to change your music taste to accommodate your system, as some do, tough luck.

Yes, a high-end system should expand one's taste in recordings, not narrow it. If it does the latter, something is wrong.

 

[Kingrex]

Usually I see pink Floyd mentioned ad naseum.
While I like it, there is a lot more to choose from.

A fe off the top of the head…
Oingo Boingo / Violent Femmes / Phil Ochs / Bad Religion / Social Distortion / Doug McLeod / The Jam

Social Distortion played in my friends living room. Long story, but they were on torur and stopped in to play on my friends stuff while they were practicing.

 

[bonzo75]

unless you want to change your music taste to accommodate your system, as some do, tough luck.

It is plus to expand your music taste, you word it like it is an insult to change your music taste. Well…you did not start appreciating classical but with a lo fi system (don’t confuse price with fidelity) that is fine.

 

[bonzo75]

Social Distortion

Is this the local audio club?

 

[Holmz]

Social Distortion played in my friends living room. Long story, but they were on torur and stopped in to play on my friends stuff while they were practicing.

Ok - I am in awe.

 

[Holmz]

Yes, a high-end system should expand one's taste in recordings, not narrow it. If it does the latter, something is wrong.

But one should listen to what they like…

 

[Al M.]

But one should listen to what they like…

Absolutely.