About the High End

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This section will provide a quick education on hi-end audio systems. Hi-end components provide a much more realistic rendition of recorded music than low or mid-fi components. The music surrounds the listener in what’s called a "sound stage" where voices and instruments are distinct and distinguishable in space. Notes resound and decay naturally as in a live performance. The sound of some components can actually be more seductive than a live performance.

An excellent 2-channel system provides more music realism than most 5-channel systems. Most of you know 5 channel as surround sound (AC3, Dolby Digital, DTS, etc.). Five channel systems are intended more for movie audio than music. Technological strides, however, are being made to bridge the gap between the two.

The ideal scenario is to have dedicated/separate audio and video systems. The middle ground is to have separates consisting of; a pre-amp (routes the signal from the CD/DVD etc.), an amplifier (amplifies the signal), a tuner (AM/FM reception), and sources (CD, DVD, tape. turntable, etc.). Since separates are in their own enclosures and don't share components, unlike receivers, there is usually a major sonic improvement. A receiver is a pre-amp, amp and tuner in one box. Most are designed with economics and the mass market in mind. Since all the components are in one box, the design is compromised to accommodate available space and to keep the environment cool. Sonically, for example, a cymbal clash on a receiver would not reach its full magnitude since the power supply is sized to fit these restrained constraints. The note would therefore be cut (rolled) off. You would miss the majesty of the artist. No rule, of course, applies to everything. There are a couple hi-end manufacturers that offer exemplary receivers that exceed the sonics of low or mid-fi manufacturer separates.

What makes equipment hi-end? Hi-end companies have a history and a dedication to music reproduction. Their names are usually not as well known as the Bose or Sonys of the world who are marketing megapowers. Their volumes are low, their warranties are generally longer and their prices higher. Warranties and prices are higher because of the use of higher quality components and slower assembly rates. Virtually everything is hand made. Many of these companies are small and concentrate on function at the expense of exterior design. We have turned over rocks to find companies that provide both great looks and sonics.

Every component in a hi-end system is important to the overall system sound; the pre-amp, amp, source (turntable, CD player, tuner, etc.), speakers, interconnect cables, speaker cables, power cords, and stand.

Equipment placement plays an important part in the system sound. Adequate time should be allotted to adjust equipment placement, especially speakers, to optimize music sound staging and dimensionality.

Component internal wiring, speaker cable, interconnects (cords that connect your CD player to your pre-amp/receiver, etc.) made of oxygen free copper, silver, and/or unique construction, provide improved signal path and music realism. You will be amazed at the sonic improvement realized by just changing the speaker cable and interconnects of any system. We carry Gutwire cable, a mainstay company in the audio industry. Gutwire has a full line of audio-video wire including interconnects, speaker cable, and power cords.

On the subject of sources, it's hard to beat a good turntable for music warmth, realism and seductiveness. Don't throw away a good table! There are a lot of good used turntable deals since the popularity has waned among the average consumer. Turntables are cherished in audiophile circles.

Digital (CD/DVD) technology has made fantastic recent improvements to better approximate the warmth, dimensionality, and detail of live performances. There are several digital formats attempting to achieve sonic utopia and commercial success. Some competing formats are HDCD, Super CD, DVD- Audio, mini-disc and more. There will be no attempt to bore you with the detail of each format within this text. It should be a fun exercise, however, for you to research each one for more detail.

In all, hi-end equipment can provide a new musical experience to all that listen. We have conducted many listening auditions and converted many skeptics. The real danger you face is hi-end audio addiction!


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