Article: Searching For Good Sound at AXPONA Chicago 2014

[firedog]

If I'm wrong, then please let me know why all reviewers consistently comment about DACS they like by saying -" ....the most analog sounding Dac I have ever had in my system" -

 

Well, I have heard reviews say a digital system has virtues an analog one doesn't, and even say they found digital playback superior sounding.

Some of the virtues of digital, like the quiet background and good dynamics, are so taken for granted that it never even occurs to a reviewer to comment that his analog system doesn't compare in those aspects - it's a given that it won't, so it isn't commented on.

[Paul R]

Don't understand all this new digital stuff?

 

Oh, are you referring to the fact that NO ONE ever says - "gee, my system doesn't sound "digital enough" ?. I really prefer a more cold, sterile, grainy and overly bright presentation - yea, you know that "digital sound" - the sound with less than "organic harmonics" - yea, that's what I want!

Nope, nobody ever says that.

What analog guys want - is the way music was meant to be heard. The computer was never designed to transmit digital data representing an organic sound. Digital data simply provides a convenient "simulation of sound", the computer offers significant flexibility when re-arranging the playback selection for your "simulated sound".

 

If I'm wrong, then please let me know why all reviewers consistently comment about DACS they like by saying -" ....the most analog sounding Dac I have ever had in my system" - they never compliment a Dac by saying - "The most digital sounding dac, I've ever heard." That's why Analog guys don't get it, they aren't willing to settle for less. Why are you ?

 

I would hazard a guess that really good digital will blow you away with it's sound. It is different than analog, but- it has all the best parts of analog sound without the drawbacks. No "wow and flutter" for instance. Usually no clicks and pops either. In fact, many modest digital systems these days already sound better than LPs to many people. Perhaps to most people. And more, a good digital system can playback a "needle drop" so well it is nearly indistinguishable from the original. Sometimes better than the original.

 

-Paul

[usblues]

Wow. Quite a fail. A million dollar system capable of turning anyone off of high end audio.

 

Chris,hello,Bob here from Mpls.Just wanted to say thanks again for the pictures and thoughts from the show.For those of us who dont go its a real treat,cheers,B