HiFi is more than gear, TRUST your Ears: When considering the purchase of any audio system or component there is always plenty of help on hand.
There’s also an unlimited number of reviewers of audio components – although recognising the goods ones can be a little tricky.
Forums are a great source of opinions from people who have gone before you. Plus, there is always a trusty knowledgeable friend, family member or subject expert at work.
The best tools, however, are your ears, and it is important that you learn to trust them.
Recently a customer asked for our advice on a suitable center channel speaker to match his high quality, but from a brand that no longer exists, speakers. We made a couple of suggestions and loaned two centers to try out in situ.
As it transpired the customer thought that our primary suggestion sounded good – until he put the question to AI and was told that the combination was not compatible?!?!
He returned the center, despite what his ears told him. Once again, HiFi is more than gear, TRUST your Ears.
To complicate matters there are always those situations where combinations, despite all the evidence to the contrary, simply work. One such combination is the Musical Fidelity A1 Amplifier and Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Bookshelf Speakers.
The B&W’s are an 88dB speaker that sells for a tad under $15,000 the pair. The Musical Fidelity A1 is a $3,000, 20watt/channel Class ‘A’ amplifier that should never do justice to the 805’s.
However, the combination is so musical, so involving, that it is a joy to listen to. Take a look at this review about the A1.
At the same time there are many combinations of products that are spectacular on their own right but when combined they just fail to mix well.
Remember that this is a purchase that you will live with for a considerable time, and it must work for you. If you are reading reviews or seeking advice from others you are taking on board what works for them – as appraised through their ears. Music appreciation can be very subjective.
Your choice in wine or art may not be the same as the person standing next to you, this also applies to audio.
By all means seek advice from the many options available – but let your ears make the final decision.
Regards,
Len Wallis
