IF this is out of line, let me know and I will remove it Jim. (It mentions my company).
Audiophile or Music Lover - Where do you fit in
HOW NOT TO LISTEN TO MUSIC
(at least my views on the subject)
Okay.....where to start? It is my opinion that audio consumers fall within one of two categories, "Audiophiles" or "Music lovers". Let me explain.
An audiophile seeks a system capable of portraying each individual piece of information separately as if it existed in it's own place in space and time. This goes much further than simply being able to distinguish individual instruments. It is my opinion that a system of this kind does not have the proper "blending" as you would experience at a live venue. There is a perfection in center imaging usually with an eight inch sweet spot, more emphasized detail than one cares to hear and the most unrealistic bass that I have never experienced at a live event. The problem? Move even slightly out of that sweet spot position and the whole illusion disappears. Overall, I find these types of systems dry, clinical and plain boring to listen to for any extended period of time. Yes, they do have the utmost level of detail, resolution and dynamics but simply do not sound "real" to me. No texture, no body, no realism.
This is what we have been brainwashed to believe as "accurate" musical reproduction by hi-fi rags and 'politically' run review sites. These systems can find, all to easily, any minute flaw in the recording, how fun is that? We already know 99% of all recordings are flawed one way or another. Who cares. Who wants to buy a system that makes only 1% of our recordings enjoyable? Yes, they may be theoretically correct in terms of measurements but we don't listen to measurements. Just look at how many reviewers and over paid marketing agents have coaxed people into buying overly analytical crap for ridiculous amounts of money, only to wind up selling it within 3 months because it didn't engage them in the MUSIC!! Duh. It is this high turnover that keeps the super exotic product manufacturers in business. Ask yourself this question, "do you want to listen to your components or your music"?
On the other hand we have the music lover, that's me, who focuses attention, not on a single piece of data within a recording, but to the presentation as a whole. Yes, you can hear all the information in the recording, the difference is in the delivery. The music should get inside of you and touch your soul. A good music system should provide you with every aspect of the recording but not "dissect" it and throw it at you in pieces. Response Audio is all about this type of consumer. I choose to hear my music the way it was meant to be heard, as close to a natural event as possible. I don't need or want an eight inch sweet "sweet spot". After all, what about those of us who actually have friends that we want to share our musical experiences with. "Okay, move over, it's my turn to listen". Give'me a break. I want a system that does not call to attention itself rather disappear allowing the music to flow. It should be smooth, enjoyable and non-fatiguing over long periods of time. Has a good center image that more than one person can enjoy at one time and most importantly, simply allows the music to get inside of me. Music is all about emotion. If you want to walk away talking about how perfect your components are, buy an audiophile system, if you want to walk away understanding what the artist was feeling and trying to portray, put together a music system that allows the music to get inside of you. That's what Response Audio is all about! Emotion!
I can promise you that most enjoyable music systems will not measure perfectly but if they give us pleasure in our musical ventures, that's all that matters. Yes? This is not to say that systems sold, designed or modified by Response Audio do not measure very good, just not analytically perfect.
I realize many will not agree with these thoughts and they may even irritate some of you but please realize that these are my personal opinions and preferences only. I only want to allow others to understand the philosophy of Response audio and how our systems are meant to be understood. I mean no disrespect to the Audiophile community and the companies that cater to them. After all, my personal quote..........
"Build your system for yourself, not the critics"