I personally don't significantly disagree with you. But there is no objective right or wrong here.
I personally do not cotton to the sound you are describing. But for audiophiles for whom detail and extension at the frequency extremes are their personal sonic cues which most directly remind them of the sound of live music it is a perfectly legitimate subjective sonic preference.
My point was that this is something that is so pervasive in the industry as a whole that it has become most difficult to find equipment that sounds right at anything near an affordable price.
But to be fair, the budget level has rarely offered sufficiently refined products. But this is something that I want to change.
Yes this is limiting and you would probably find more bang for the buck in the secondary market. What are you looking to replace in your system? There are some very nice sounding all in ones in the secondary market and this could be a solution.
It seems to me that there are too many of us that are always actively looking for obscure and expensive ways to tinker with our systems in the vain hope of squeezing a miniscule improvement in their perception of their system's sound quality.
Cables seem to be an obsession for many and vast and crazy sums are paid for these simple though important items. One guy is talking about spending a 5 figure sum on changing his supply of AC power to his system. These sums of money are likely better spent of improving main speakers, amps, etc of the system as these are more likely to make a real improvement in the sound that reaches our ears. Or spend it on concert tickets and listen to real music instruments rather than to vibrating paper cones that try to imitate music instruments!
Yes this is limiting and you would probably find more bang for the buck in the secondary market. What are you looking to replace in your system? There are some very nice sounding all in ones in the secondary market and this could be a solution.
Definitely agree!
My Clearaudio table and arm: pre-owned; my Modwright phono stage: demo; my Pachanko server: demo; my Modwright integrated amp: pre-owned; my PS Audio PowerPlant: pre-owned; my M101 LAN cable: demo; most of my interconnects: demo or pre-owned. And while it's not my daily cartridge and I'm not selling it, my 20-year old Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood moving magnet is still magnificent and they often show up on the used marketplaces for around $300 (there's one on that well-known auction site with a new stylus from a legitimate seller for $350 right now).
My point was that this is something that is so pervasive in the industry as a whole that it has become most difficult to find equipment that sounds right at anything near an affordable price.
But to be fair, the budget level has rarely offered sufficiently refined products. But this is something that I want to change.
Whats your level of affordable? $500? Get a set of Vanatoo. Darn good.
There are great systems at all prices.
I would agree. There is a skill/art in mixing parts to achieve a sound you want. And it takes exposure to know the direction that works for you.
