[bbslo]

Hi - I never really left, but I've has a long hiatus with very basic audio gear. Now that I'm finally in a place to build I nicer (2 channel) system I figure I better do some learning and listening for a while before pulling the trigger.

Thanks!

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome BBslo

[Guy 13]

A warm welcome to AudioCirle Mr. bbslo.

Guy 13

[Blackmore]

building a new system is going to be a fun project. We have quite a few manufacturers here so don't forget to check them out. Welcome to Audio Circle.

[Dieterle Tool]

willkommen bbslo,

  I think you should dive right into it. I have some stuff for sale. 

-dieter

[ArthurDent]

Greetings  & Welcome to AC bbslo 

[Phil A]

Welcome to AC!

[JLM]

Welcome.

I went through an audio hiatus about 15 - 20 years ago, about the same time that most bricks and mortar audio shops were replaced by internet based cottage industry, which spurred different emphasis (more national/international perspective, less fleshy sound, move from CD players to separate DAC/transports, way more small tube gear, more vinyl, more interest in various accessories, more open baffle speakers, and more super high-end stuff). 

So how you navigate has changed too.  Lots of online research (and reading between the lines) is involved now.  Easier now to link up with local audio clubs.  Digital technology continues to advance rapidly.  But the laws of physics and the basics haven't changed.  Speakers have changed more in current tastes (tighter bass, more treble emphasis - probably to satisfy generally older listeners) than materials or design, so if you know what you want they are your safest investment, while digital sources (gear and libraries) can be obsolete in a couple of years.  Still best to audition at home. 

[mcgsxr]

Welcome to AC, and welcome back to audio fun!

[bbslo]

Thanks all.

JLM, that is very helpful as it sums up my situation pretty well-- though I'm not quite sure what "less fleshy sound" means.

It kills me that I sold off my Thorens turntable for peanuts years ago, but I have no plans to return to vinyl at this point. I am thinking my first move will be an upgrade on speakers. My budget will always be quite limited, but I want to make sure I upgrade enough to make a significant difference. I've got Energy RC10's now and I'm looking at Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 and Sierra 2, Philmonitors, KEF LS50 and GoldenEar Aons among others. I'd like to check out Magnepan MMGs as well, but I also expect space limitations (size of room) will always be a factor for me.

I hope not to replace my Rotel amp and Mod Squad passive pre-amp any time soon, but I will be researching a new source after the speakers. For now I'm using a Fiio X3 while I learn more.

[charmerci]

Thanks all.

JLM, that is very helpful as it sums up my situation pretty well-- though I'm not quite sure what "less fleshy sound" means.

You know - less pornographic and more like a corpse.

(Sorry, I just had to!  )

[JLM]

Just trying to expand vocabulary.  By "fleshy sound" I was thinking more worldly; flabbier bass, colorful, expressive, fun, massive, rowdy, and unrestrained; as opposed to accurate, analytical, dry, serene, sophisticated, and tight; the American versus European sound; more Marilyn Monroe, less Emma Watson.  Back when audio (we called it stereo back then) was centered around 20 year olds those former attributes served the market well.  Now if you go to a big audio show it's the same people, just 30+ years older, so the industry has gotten more convenience and serious sound oriented.

Hope that helps.

Honestly while musical tastes tend to change with age, listening to old rock favorites just ain't the same for me on today's super serious speakers that squeeze the exuberance out of the performance.  There's a cause and effect question here.  Do we naturally lean towards the more mature presentation as we age or does the mature presentation of today's speakers simply serve old fart genres (classical, folk, jazz) better and therefore draw us in that direction?