Sublime Sound
- Thread starter PeterA
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Hi Tango, That is so interesting. This is a good example of how one can describe an effect from a specific recording and compare experiences with other listeners. In my case, the KL Audio RCM definitely improved the sense of realism and believability by removing a layer of noise and letting me hear more of the information in the grooves. Perhaps it did not help to move the sound away from the speaker location but it adds to the sense of Presence and palpability of the musicians a bit. But as I wrote, I'm at a loss to explain really what is responsible for this impression of the music leaving the speakers and filling the room more. I do think room acoustics contributed, basically lessoning reflections allows one to more clearly hear the spacial information captured by the recording.
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement! The male voices on video were perfectly clear in the other room...so it is a bit of a struggle now to figure out where/how its changed here. The room is bigger with a definite echo...that is part of it...the search for greatness continues!
I have been listening to choral music lately and I have a new reference recording to go along with one of my favorites, Cantate Domino, on the Proprius label. This new one I think was recommended to me by Myles Astor. It is Holst on the Argo label, ZRG 5495. Photo below.
Al M. came over the other night and I played this for him. The recording is of exceptional quality. The voices are extremely clear and articulate and the string sound is superb. The sound fills my room with clarity and presence. This recording has become a new benchmark for me in assessing the sound of my system. I am reminded of Al's comment that CD is where "all the music is". Here and now, I take some small pleasure in reminding my good friend Al, that his statement is not entirely true.
Al M. came over the other night and I played this for him. The recording is of exceptional quality. The voices are extremely clear and articulate and the string sound is superb. The sound fills my room with clarity and presence. This recording has become a new benchmark for me in assessing the sound of my system. I am reminded of Al's comment that CD is where "all the music is". Here and now, I take some small pleasure in reminding my good friend Al, that his statement is not entirely true.
I searched everywhere for ? samples (Imogen Holst's album) but without success. I guess I just have to order it (the CD is almost free).
When Peter played the recording the other day for me, it was an exhilarating experience. Originally he only wanted to play the first side with the male voices. The voices of the small choir were so vividly present and palpable, with such natural, saturated timbre and an open, effortless sound that I was floored. The voices just energized the room. The highs in this open soundstage seemed to extend without limits. As stunning as the voices was the sound of the small string ensemble. The resolution of fine detail of string tone and the naturalness of sound from the group of 3 or 4 violins playing in unison was just astonishing, I couldn't contain from exclaiming a few times "wow!". The sound of the group of 2 or 3 celli had that unmistakable combination of simultaneous body and air that is often heard live but so rarely on a system. I asked Peter to turn over the LP and have us listen to the entire second side as well, with the female choir and strings. Another 20 minutes of sonic bliss.
Overall this was one of the most intoxicating and convincing presentations that I have ever heard from a system. The illusion of live sound was strong. While the SME turntable/arm may not exactly be the current flavor of the month, I am becoming more and more deeply impressed with the performance of this precision instrument. This must be a top contender in the analog world.
Another thing: the micro-dynamics, just as the macro-dynamics, were outstanding, of the highest level. The effortless, natural dynamic swelling and deflating of vocal lines was incredibly life-like. And that from inefficient speakers driven by behemoth solid state amps which, according to many, is just not possible. Reality trumps preconceived notions.
Overall this was one of the most intoxicating and convincing presentations that I have ever heard from a system. The illusion of live sound was strong. While the SME turntable/arm may not exactly be the current flavor of the month, I am becoming more and more deeply impressed with the performance of this precision instrument. This must be a top contender in the analog world.
Another thing: the micro-dynamics, just as the macro-dynamics, were outstanding, of the highest level. The effortless, natural dynamic swelling and deflating of vocal lines was incredibly life-like. And that from inefficient speakers driven by behemoth solid state amps which, according to many, is just not possible. Reality trumps preconceived notions.
Thanks Al for the kind words about the sound of my system. Yes, the room was indeed energized with the presence of that performance. I am glad to have discovered this LP and to be able to share it with friends. I did not know that it is also available on CD. You should try to get a copy to enjoy in your system. Thank you also for mentioning the contribution of my SME table and arm. For some reason, SME is not very popular these days in the US.
Bob, try searching Gustav Holst. Imogen was his daughter who conducted this performance.
I would not have written what I did had I not been as convinced and impressed by the sonic performance of your system as I was.
Yes, we had a conversation about changing fashions in the audiophile world and the "hot item of the day". For that, the current Audio Exotics thread is enlightening as well.
I remember traveling around the US (and at CES), when I was Magnepan's National Sales Manager - introducing audiophiles & dealers to Proprius recordings. The four that got the most playtime were Cantate Domino, Jazz at the Pawnshop, Laudate, & Barock.
Used Barock & Laudate for VTA adjustments for some labels. Later discovered the Argo recording that Peter mentions - and also used it for VTA for certain record labels. All 5 were wonderfully involving musically, IMO.
Here is a photo of the back of the LP showing song selection. It is not clear to me that this same recording is available on digital, though some people have found some of the songs. They may have been recorded at different times and places and may or may not be of the same sonic quality.
!
Yes, it was a sealed copy that I bought for $20 or so. It remained in my "to clean" pile for over a year until I got my new RCM.
It was time for me to hear Peter's system again today, after a long time; and this time, the MySonic Labs cartridge was on center stage. That, along all those tweaks, have elevated the system to much higher levels than what I heard last time. Very nice high frequency extension, partly missing before, no congestion on large orchestral (though naturally not realistic scale either), and all in all, a completely transformed system. Just great on violin, cello, guitar, and For Duke was just sensational - all with great rhythm.
One suggestion Peter: put those speaker spikes back on and protect the floor with Lovan discs or similar. You may just end up with higher dynamics.
One suggestion Peter: put those speaker spikes back on and protect the floor with Lovan discs or similar. You may just end up with higher dynamics.
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