• About
    • About HFA
    • HFA Awards
    • Associated Equipment
    • Banners on HFA
    • HFA Analytics Data
    • HFA Audio Setup History
    • HFA Audio Setup Snapshots
    • Sitemap
    • Contact
  • HFA Awards
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Amplifier
      • All Amplifier Reviews
      • Integrated Amplifier
      • Preamplifier
      • Power Amplifier
      • Phono Preamp
    • Loudspeaker
      • All Loudspeaker Reviews
      • Passive Speaker
      • Active Analog Speaker
      • Active Digital Speaker
    • Digital
      • All Digital Reviews
      • CD Player
      • SPDIF DAC
      • USB DAC
      • Music Server
      • Network Player
      • Digital Recorder
      • Digital Interface
      • Audio Software
    • Turntable and Accessories
      • All Turntable and Accessories Reviews
      • Turntable
      • Tonearm
      • Phono Cartridge
      • Turntable Accessories
    • Cable
      • All Cable Reviews
      • Analog Interlink
      • Phono Interlink
      • Speaker Cable
      • Power Cable
      • Digital Cable
    • Accessories
      • All Accessories Reviews
      • Racks / Stands / Feet
      • Tuning / Tweaks
      • Power Connector
    • Industry Update
  • Insights
    • All Insights
    • Analog Insights
    • Cable Insights
    • Connector Insights
    • Digital Insights
    • Extensionblocks / Filters Insights
    • Generic Insights
    • System Synergy Q&A
  • Specials
  • Show Reports
    • All Show Reports
    • Alkmaar Audio Show
    • Chattelin Audio Systems
    • Dutch Audio Event
    • Enosound
    • HifiDeluxe
    • HifiLive
    • Munich High End
    • XFi
  • Classics
    • All Classics
    • Analog Classics
    • Digital Classics
  • Links
  • About
    • About HFA
    • HFA Awards
    • Associated Equipment
    • Banners on HFA
    • HFA Analytics Data
    • HFA Audio Setup History
    • HFA Audio Setup Snapshots
    • Sitemap
    • Contact
  • HFA Awards
  • Reviews
    • All Reviews
    • Amplifier
      • All Amplifier Reviews
      • Integrated Amplifier
      • Preamplifier
      • Power Amplifier
      • Phono Preamp
    • Loudspeaker
      • All Loudspeaker Reviews
      • Passive Speaker
      • Active Analog Speaker
      • Active Digital Speaker
    • Digital
      • All Digital Reviews
      • CD Player
      • SPDIF DAC
      • USB DAC
      • Music Server
      • Network Player
      • Digital Recorder
      • Digital Interface
      • Audio Software
    • Turntable and Accessories
      • All Turntable and Accessories Reviews
      • Turntable
      • Tonearm
      • Phono Cartridge
      • Turntable Accessories
    • Cable
      • All Cable Reviews
      • Analog Interlink
      • Phono Interlink
      • Speaker Cable
      • Power Cable
      • Digital Cable
    • Accessories
      • All Accessories Reviews
      • Racks / Stands / Feet
      • Tuning / Tweaks
      • Power Connector
    • Industry Update
  • Insights
    • All Insights
    • Analog Insights
    • Cable Insights
    • Connector Insights
    • Digital Insights
    • Extensionblocks / Filters Insights
    • Generic Insights
    • System Synergy Q&A
  • Specials
  • Show Reports
    • All Show Reports
    • Alkmaar Audio Show
    • Chattelin Audio Systems
    • Dutch Audio Event
    • Enosound
    • HifiDeluxe
    • HifiLive
    • Munich High End
    • XFi
  • Classics
    • All Classics
    • Analog Classics
    • Digital Classics
  • Links
scroll down for more
Generic Insights

Detail versus Musicality

Christiaan Punter 2 April 2009 1 Comment
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email

The upgrade-virus can easily take over control: where to draw the line?

By upgrading, matching and tweaking you can accomplish a lot. But when is it enough? When you can hear that the sound engineer had a cold whilst mixing? You have to be careful not to end up in a continuous stream of upgrading as the system gets technically better (more and more analytical) but the emotional aspect gets left out.

This is something that all too easily happens. For example, if you really like a certain brand and you start buying more and more of that brand of even more of the same tweak and apply it everywhere. This is a great way to create a system that is strong at only one aspect and mediocre at others. What also happens is that you focus too much on that one prominent problem that you forget to pay attention to the other aspects, creating a system that is good at that one aspect but terrible in others. You only start noticing this after you’ve quenched your thirst on that one aspect. After some time you start noticing that the sound balance has shifted more than you wanted it to and finding the correct balance can then be tricky.

Neutral?

This is an oft-used term but what defines neutrality? People don’t seem to agree on this subject. What one person finds neutral can sound colored to the next. Whether it’s the voices or the fluidness or the dynamics that make music sound natural to you, from person to person, this will differ. There are in fact many aspects of sound playback that can make the music sound more natural but it’s not possible to combine all these aspects. It’s more a matter of choosing what “defects” you can live with. After all, it’s an electronic reproduction. An approach of reality. Not the real thing.

The purpose of this text is not to define neutrality but more to point out that this is a relative term and that you should use it with caution. Striving for the best neutrality, the most honest sound isn’t always the best way to go either because the reproduction will likely complement a certain style of music while being less friendly to another. Also, recording-quality may prohibit you from enjoying your CDs when the system is too tightly tuned for honesty. Systems that are fit to play all kinds of music are bound to be kinder to some styles than to others. But at the same time, neutrality is a good starting point when choosing components because this gives you the most leverage. This way you can tune your sound in both directions, ie warmer or more detailed. Should you go for a warm and cuddly sound or is it frowned upon to add color? The answer is: whatever makes you enjoy your music best. If adding color makes you happy then that’s the way to go. If you’re enjoying your music more with your mind, probably a more strictly neutral approach would be better for you.

Whether you go for the most detailed, most honest approach or for the forgiving, perhaps colored approach, when buying components you don’t want to lean over to either side too much because it may be impossible to correct this imbalance at a later stage should you wish to.

Also, when applying tweaks and buying better cables and such, make sure that you listen to all aspects of the sound, not just to the one aspect you’re trying to improve. This prevents you from ending up with a tightly tuned system that acts as a magnifying glass for recorded defects. You may want your system to be honest, but not to be punished when playing less than perfect discs.

Lastly, listen with your head, but also with your heart. By this I mean that you not only listen for improvements in certain areas but you also let go and see if the music moves you. This is easy: just do something else while playing music and see if you’re enjoying it. By not paying attention you can see if the music really reaches you and you’re not only using your mind to search for minute details and such.

So better not apply tweaks?

For sure, tweaks can be very useful. And they can be an affordable way of improving your sound. The trick is to apply them one by one and pay attention to the sound at every stage. Try for example not to connect new power cables, interlinks, fit new feet and move the speakers all at once. One tweak or modification can affect the other. They can complement each other but they can also work against each other.

How to stay objective?

Of course, this is immensely difficult. Maybe even impossible. But one can try. Make a habit out of inviting audio friends, one more opinion can make for a better-weighed conclusion. The friend may also be less biased and can have a fresher look on your sound. It’s also good to have non-audiophiles listen to your system. They may not have golden ears and may miss aspects that you find important but simply because they are fresh to the matter and unprejudiced, sometimes they can uncover a weakness that you may have missed because you were so busy trying to improve that one aspect of the sound.

Some important points of attention

  • Take everything step by step, take your time.
  • Don’t sell your old equipment before it’s really clear that you like the new stuff better.
  • When in doubt, reconnect the old component or ask friends for their opinion.
  • Don’t blindly apply the same tweak everywhere. Apply them one by one.
  • Listen not only in evenings but also during the day and on both weekends and weekdays.
  • Try to stop listening when you feel you’re getting tired or irritated and continue the next day.

Now that you’re hopefully better prepared for what’s coming, happy tweaking!

Related Posts
Audio Technica AT-HS10 and Ortofon LH 2000 Turntable Headshells
Upgrading Magnepan Crossovers
Why do high end speakers demand high end equipment?
Room Acoustics – last barrier of most important factor?
Treble
Audio Physic Caldera wiring possibilities
Audio Lingo
Electrostatic and Magnetostatic Speakers
  • Share This:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email
Christiaan Punter Owner of Hifi-Advice.com

1 Comments

  1. Anonymous says:
    19 February 2017 at 18:44

    Christian:

    RE: Detail vs. Musicality

    Great sound, is accurate sound; A great (Hi-Fi) system is one that constantly draws you to the music; vocals (or driving instrument(s) will “pop-out”, 3-D like, while every instrument has a familiar (accurate) tonality. Collectively, great systems portray each and every instrument in its natural (familiar) signature.
    This is a unique and astonishing characteristic that distinguishes great systems . Anyone can appreciate great sound when they hear it. It takes no “analysis” whatsoever. Music -someone plucking guitar strings, the snap/pop of one playing bongo’s, the naturalness of someone singing/talking, etc., etc.
    Most of us have hard these “natural” sounds. That’s what great systems re-create ! A fascinating, and memorable experience.
    Expertise, experience, sensitive hearing and “authentic know-how” are the crucial ingredients required to assemble great sounding systems. Premium equipment is required, yes, but uber-expensive by no means automatically implies better (more musical) sound.

    Your advice below is commendable

    As you state:
    “Lastly, listen with your head, but also with your heart. By this I mean that you not only listen for improvements in certain areas but you also let go and see if the music moves you. This is easy: just do something else while playing music and see if you’re enjoying it. By not paying attention you can see if the music really reaches you and you’re not only using your mind to search for minute details and such.

    And also, importantly, you suggest:

    ” ….Make a habit out of inviting audiofriends, one more opinion can make for a better weighed conclusion. The friend may also be less biased and can have a fresher look on your sound. It’s also good to have non-audiophiles listen to your system. …. ”

    Indeed!

    peter jasz
    “

    Reply

Your comment Cancel reply

All feedback is welcome but I may not be able to respond to every comment. First-time comments need manual approval which may cause a slight delay. Avoid using links to prevent marking as spam.

 

Categories

  • Accessories Reviews
  • Active Analog Speakers Reviews
  • Active Digital Speakers Reviews
  • Alkmaar Audio Show
  • Amplifier Reviews
  • Analog Classics
  • Analog Insights
  • Analog Interlink Reviews
  • Analogy Records
  • Apogee Acoustics Company Special
  • Audio Software Reviews
  • Audiophile Insights
  • Cables Insights
  • CD Player Reviews
  • Chattelin Audio Systems
  • Connectors Insights
  • Digital Cable Reviews
  • Digital Classics
  • Digital Insights
  • Digital Interface Reviews
  • Digital Recorder Reviews
  • Digital Reviews
  • Dutch Audio Event
  • Enosound
  • Extensionblocks / Filters Insights
  • Generic Insights
  • HFA Audio Setup History
  • HFA Audio Setup Snapshots
  • HifiDeluxe
  • HifiLive
  • Industry Update
  • Integrated Amplifier Reviews
  • Marantz & Philips Classics
  • Munich High End
  • Music Server Reviews
  • Network Player Reviews
  • Passive Speakers Reviews
  • Phono Cartridge Reviews
  • Phono Interlink Reviews
  • Phono Preamp Reviews
  • Power Amplifier Reviews
  • Power Cable Reviews
  • Power Conditioning
  • Power Connector Reviews
  • Preamplifier Reviews
  • Racks / Stands / Feet Reviews
  • Rhapsody
  • Show Reports
  • SPDIF DAC Reviews
  • Speaker Cable Reviews
  • Specials
  • System Synergy Q&A
  • Tonearm Reviews
  • Tuning / Tweaks Reviews
  • Turntable Accessories Reviews
  • Turntable and Accessories Reviews
  • Turntable Reviews
  • Uncategorized
  • USB DAC Reviews
  • XFi

BRANDS

  • A&B Systems
  • A10 Audio
  • Aavik
  • Acapella
  • Accuphase
  • AcousticMatters
  • Acustica Applicata
  • Admire Audio
  • Aequo Audio
  • AG Lifter
  • Aidas
  • Akiko Audio
  • Analog Domain
  • Analogy Records
  • Analysis Audio
  • Analysis Plus
  • Ansuz
  • Anthem
  • Anti-Cables
  • Antipodes
  • APL
  • Apogee
  • Apogee Acoustics
  • Aqua
  • Arcam
  • Aries Cerat
  • Artesania
  • ASI
  • Astin Trew
  • atm audio
  • A Tube High Fidelity
  • Audeze
  • AudioAanZee
  • Audio Aero
  • Audio Club Premier
  • Audio GD
  • Audiolab
  • Audiolympic
  • Audiomeca
  • Audionote
  • Audio Note
  • Audio Origami
  • Audio Physic
  • AudioQuest
  • Audio Research
  • Audio Synthesis
  • Audio Technica
  • Auralic
  • Aurender
  • Aurum Cantus
  • Avalon
  • AvantGarde
  • AVID
  • AVIDHIFI
  • Ayon
  • Ayre Acoustics
  • B&W
  • Bals
  • Bang & Olufsen
  • Behringer
  • Belden
  • Benz
  • Bergmann
  • Black Rhodium
  • Boenicke Audio
  • Bowers & Wilkins
  • Bricasti
  • Bryston
  • Burmester
  • Børresen
  • CAD
  • Cardas
  • Care Orchestra
  • CAT
  • CEC
  • Chord Electronics
  • CH Precision
  • Clarisys Audio
  • Classé
  • Clearaudio
  • Concert Fidelity
  • Conrad Johnson
  • Consonance
  • COS
  • Curious Cables
  • D'Agostino
  • DAD
  • Dali
  • Daniël Hertz
  • Daudio
  • dCS
  • Degritter
  • Denafrips
  • Denon
  • Devialet
  • Devore
  • Diptyque
  • Doepke
  • Driade
  • DS Audio
  • Dynavector
  • Dynavox
  • E&T
  • EC-Designs
  • Echole
  • Elac
  • Electrocompaniet
  • Elijah Audio
  • EMAG
  • EMMLabs
  • Emotiva
  • EMU
  • Enosound
  • Ensemble
  • Esoteric
  • Estelon
  • Euphony
  • Exogal
  • Fadel Art
  • Fezz Audio
  • FIM Gold
  • Final
  • Final Touch Audio
  • Finite Elemente
  • FoilFlex
  • Franco Serblin
  • Furutech
  • Fusion Audio
  • Gauder Akustik
  • Genelec
  • Gigawatt
  • GiK
  • Goldmund
  • Graham Audio
  • Grandinote
  • Grimm Audio
  • Gryphon
  • Gustavson Audio
  • Halcro
  • Hanze Hifi
  • Harman/Kardon
  • Harmonic Resolution Systems
  • Harmonic Technology
  • Harmonix
  • Heaven's Gate
  • Hifi-Tuning
  • HiFi.nl
  • HifiMan
  • High Fidelity Cables
  • Hofa
  • Holo Audio
  • Home Audio Fidelity
  • HRS
  • IeGO
  • Ikigai
  • IMF
  • Isotek
  • Jadis
  • Jay's Audio
  • JCAT
  • Jeff Rowland
  • Jena Labs
  • JMF Audio
  • Jorma Audio
  • Jorma Design
  • Joseph Audio
  • JPLAY
  • JVC
  • Kemp
  • Kharma
  • Kimber
  • KingRex
  • Kinki Studio
  • KlinktBeter
  • Kora
  • Krell
  • Kroma Audio
  • Kupp
  • Laiv Audio
  • Lampizator
  • Lapp
  • LAST
  • Lector
  • Leema
  • Lejonklou
  • LessLoss
  • Line Magnetic
  • Linn
  • Logitech
  • LOK
  • Loudness War
  • Lumin
  • Luxman
  • M2Tech
  • Mad Scientist
  • Magico
  • Magnan
  • Magnepan
  • Mamba Audio
  • Manley Labs
  • Manunta
  • Marantz
  • Mark Levinson
  • Marten
  • Martin Logan
  • Master
  • Matrix
  • MBL
  • McIntosh
  • Melco
  • Melody
  • Meridian
  • Metrum Acoustics
  • Michell
  • MIT
  • MJ Acoustics
  • Modus Audio
  • Mogami
  • Mola-Mola
  • Monitor Audio
  • Monrio
  • Moon
  • Morel Hifi
  • Musical Fidelity
  • Mytek
  • Nagaoka
  • Naim
  • Naiu Laboratory
  • Nakamichi
  • NBS
  • Network Acoustics
  • Niels Setup
  • Nordost
  • NuPrime
  • Ohm Audio
  • Olive
  • Onkyo
  • Onzow
  • Origin Live
  • Ortofon
  • Oyaide
  • Panasonic
  • Paradigm
  • Parasound
  • Pass Labs
  • Philips
  • Pink Faun
  • Pioneer
  • Playback Designs
  • Precision Audio
  • PrimaLuna
  • Proceed
  • PS Audio
  • PUUR AVD
  • PUUR hifidelity
  • Pylon Audio
  • Qln
  • Qobuz
  • Quad
  • R.T.F.S.
  • RAAL Requisite
  • Raidho
  • Reference Sounds
  • Reference Tweaks
  • Rega
  • Rein Audio
  • REL
  • Resonator Stockholm
  • Revel
  • Ricable
  • Roon
  • RTFS
  • SAEQ
  • SAT
  • Schiit
  • Seawave Acoustic
  • Sennheiser
  • Shakti
  • Shuguang
  • Shunyata
  • Shure
  • Signal Projects
  • Silent Angel
  • Siltech
  • SME
  • SolidSteel
  • Solid Tech
  • Sonic Frontiers
  • Sonos
  • Sonus Faber
  • Sony
  • Sooloos
  • SOtM
  • Soulution
  • Sound Anchor
  • Sound Lab
  • Spectral
  • Spotify
  • Stack Audio
  • Stealth
  • Stillpoints
  • Straight Wire
  • SW1X Audio Design
  • Symo
  • Synergistic Research
  • Synology
  • Synthese
  • T+A
  • Taiko Audio
  • Tascam
  • Teac
  • TechDAS
  • Technics
  • The Chord Company
  • Thorens
  • Transparent Audio
  • Trends
  • Tung Sol
  • Unison Research
  • UpTone Audio
  • VAIC
  • van Damme
  • van den Hul
  • van Medevoort
  • Vermeer Audio
  • Vermouth Audio
  • Vibex
  • Vifa
  • Vincent
  • ViRa High End
  • Viva
  • Vivid Audio
  • VTL
  • Wadax
  • Wadia
  • Wattgate
  • Wattson
  • Way Cables
  • Weiss
  • Western Electric
  • WestminsterLab
  • Widealab
  • Wilson Audio
  • Wilson Benesch
  • Winyl
  • Wires 4 Music
  • Wireworld
  • Wolf von Langa
  • Wooden Bull
  • XACT
  • Xavian
  • xFyro
  • Xindak
  • XLO
  • Yamaha
  • Zanden
  • Zesto
  • ZYX

Visit HFA on Social Media

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube

LEGAL

Privacy Policy

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. All rights reserved © 2021 - hifi-advice.com.
  • Contact
  • Home