This is an off topic ramble, but since I started the thread, I guess it's OK.
Yesterday I took the time to recalibrate my subs, move the B&W 802 Matrixes (Matrices?) in so the front baffle is 3 feet in from the front wall. I then reran the Dirac LE that came with my Emotiva XMC-1.
Then I sat down and listened/watched a concert video, "JEFF BECK ~ Live at Ronnie Scott's" that I have on Blu-ray. I didn't listen at quite live performance levels, but the lights on my XPA-1s were dancing half way through most of it. My wife came home during the first encore, and sat and listened to it. Her main comment (she is not an R&B fan), was she felt like she was in the audience, a high compliment indeed.
I must admit that I really do like a well recorded multi-channel performance. I know for some that is heresy. Speaking of heresy, here is one of my musical journey experiences;
I had a rabid two channel analog evangelist try to convert me once. I went to his shop looking to listen to a pair of "Eminent Technology LFT-8B speakers." I literally called him up and made an appointment just to listen to those specific speakers that he was/is a dealer for. I arrive at the proscribed time and he leads me into his listening room, he has laid on the floor some massive tube mono blocks, and a pair of unassuming small tower speakers, he proudly identified all of the equipment with Mfr. & Model. He had a turntable with what looked like a 8" high translucent platter as the music source. If I had to guess probably $20-$30,000 worth of equipment, maybe more (he may have been using multi-thousand dollar interconnects and wires for all I know). He has me sit in the sweet spot, and proceeds to tell me "You are about to have an auditory epiphany."
It didn't happen, I mean the sound was good and all, but I felt like it wasn't better than the KEF 105.4s attached to the Emotiva rig I had at home. When I uttered this blasphemy, things went down hill in a hurry. He was incensed, he started talking about how digital media slices and dices the music, and that the bits and pieces they take out is what makes the music. Not to mention solid state amps kill whatever is left of the music. All the while I am listening to the slightest of pops and hisses from his vaunted analog system.What seemed to really set him off was when I told him I enjoyed listening to some multi channel music. It was like I had kicked his dog. He almost started sputtering as he explained that when you go to a concert all the music comes from the stage. I did mention, "That yes the music came from the stage but you're listening room doesn't have the acoustics of the hall it was recorded in, so you are losing the ambiance of the venue." I think he walked out of the room at that point to have a drink, not wanting to deal with a Philistine.
I guess I need to learn to shut up sometimes. He had the LFT-8Bs against the back wall with a layer of dust on them, which I never got to hear. I would still like to hear them.
Since then, I have stayed away from high end stereo stores mostly. I buy or make things, try them and if they are good they stay, otherwise they go.
How does this apply to my thread? Rather tangentially, if at all. Since then I have had the chance to listen to some Martin Logans, and they sounded good, but without anything to directly compare it to, I wasn't blown away. I really want to get a listen to a full dipole system and even thought about going out to Linkwitz's cottage to stay for a few days. However building this system seems like it would cost about the same, and when I am done I would know if they sound good in my room.
At this point I am fairly certain I will build the "W" frame subs and buy a pair of MMGs. With their 60 day home trial, plus they seem to hold their value so I could "upgrade" later to the NX-Otica.
BTW, I am aware that this story says as much about me, the protagonist, as it does about the stereo shop owner. It may be true that I am tone deaf Philistine.