[Johnny Canuck]

Greetings All!

I'm new to the forum and I hope that I can eventually contribute something useful.
There seems to be a lot of good help and advice here!

I am rediscovering hi-fi audio.
As a youth my Dad did his best to have decent equipment in the house (Quad33 and 303, Thorens turntable and EPI loudspeakers).
But, that was long ago and we have been listening to the same big box electronics seller integrated system for quite a while.
Not a bad thing as small children tend to be fascinated by pushing on speaker cones with their fingers to see how much they move...

Fast forward to the past year and I happened to hear a new-ish system (Anthem/Paradigm) whilst shopping for a TV remote.
And I was astounded by what I heard - detail and dimension that I didn't know existed.
Faster forward, I've spent a good chunk of time in the past 6 months listening, and talking to people.
I must say that most vendors of hi-fi equipment are a learned and patient bunch.

So my hi-fi journey is somewhere between the beginning and the end, but I am sure enjoying the sights!

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Edited for atrocious grammar - one should never post before the first coffee is fully imbibed.

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Johnny Canuck     Never fear, you'll find all sorts of information, recommendations, and assistance from any number of generous knowledgeable folks here. 

[JLM]

Yes audio is more of a journey than a destination.  If you're like most and have more time than money you'd do well by investing in research before buying.  Discover your musical preferences (no system, speakers especially, serve all genres equally well).  Decide what room the system would go (small/large, dedicated/shared, isolated/not).  Will it be used by family, perhaps as part of a home theater setup?  Determine your audio preferences (hopefully not boomy bass or zingy highs that initial impress but quickly fatigue and get old), like detail, sound staging, tone, and/or dynamics.

When auditioning take familiar music that cover your preferred genres (I also include a poorly recorded song just to see if the gear will allow enjoyment of my entire library).  Take detailed notes for future reference.  Limit yourself to 4 systems per day (the ear/mind fatigues).  Match the speakers to the room/use, then buy the amp that mates best.  Nowadays if you go digital for a source be ready to use computers/smartphones to control and take all users tech skills into account.  Keep in mind that digital has been constantly changing for the past 30 years, so don't over invest. 

Have fun with the hunt.

[Phil A]

Welcome to AC!

[dB Cooper]

Welcome to the sweet spot!

[Johnny Canuck]

Thanks to all for your warm welcome!

Determine your audio preferences (hopefully not boomy bass or zingy highs that initial impress but quickly fatigue and get old), like detail, sound staging, tone, and/or dynamics.

Have fun with the hunt.

JLM, you are spot on. To my ears some speakers sound very "bright" at higher frequencies and I find this fatiguing (even irritating) after a while. Too, the exaggerated lower end on others cannot be resurrected by even the most iron-fisted amplifier.
I am becoming fond of PMC Twenties, JBL (Synthesis) Studio Monitors, and some of the Operas.

In electronics, my preferences (and I have listed only to solid state so far) extend to:
- Naim Classic (overall lovely musical presentation, a little laid back, very happy with the PMC and Opera speakers).
- Simaudio Moon Neo (a very exciting and dynamic presentation, a bit forward, good soundstage and imaging).
- Bryston (perhaps the most neutral and uncoloured presentation I've heard thus far, big soundstage and great imaging, can be perhaps a bit arid with some digital sources, but marvellous with a good turntable).
- Ayre Acoustics (probably the most well-balanced and listenable presentation, but a bit beyond my reach).

Do any of you folks have loudspeaker preferences with these lines of electronics?

[Guy 13]

A warm welcome to AudioCircle Johnny Canuck.

Guy 13
on planet Vietnam.

[TrungT]

Welcome to AC