Thankyou, Head-Fi!

[Xander]

I think that right now, this is appropriate. This goes to all of the people whom I've talked to on Head-Fi since my register.

I came to HeadWize, broken.. Looking for headphones. Neruda convinced me to buy the AKG K401s, and I liked their neutral sound. They did however, sound dead on my Sony CDP with most CDs. I talked a bit on Head-Fi, and some people started mentioning things like "compressed dynamics" and "dynamic range", and things like that. I had an idea what they were, but I had no idea how they'd affect me until now. Finally, I upgraded my source and I was a bit happier. I was into music then, but it was nothing like it is now. Now, on my Sansui receiver, I'm noticing a lot more of the music that I had been missing before. So much so, that I'm actually a bit embarrased to admit that I enjoyed the sound that came out of my previous sources.

Now, when I was listening to vinyl for a bit a while back on my speaker system, I realized that most of the 70s stuff I was listening to was really causing me to tap my foot and groove to the music. I wasnt sure what it was, and I just figured it was the "magical sound" of vinyl or something mystical like that. At this time, 90% of my CDs had compressed dynamics. They were almost all popular music CDs.

I left vinyl behind, after problems with inner groove distortion, and other such things that just irritated the hell out of me. Inner groove distortion being the main thing.

Anyway, I for a while I never enjoyed music like that again. After seeking out headphones, here I am, enjoying my current rig. I bought a few new CDs, and experienced that spine tingling thing you get.. You guys know what I'm talking about. I singled out all of the CDs that sounded like this one, and to my suprise they were all derrived from the 70s, and for some reason all of the CDs had a really low output level compared to the rest. Wonder what that is? You know the answer to that, too.

Now, all of my rock and pop CDs sound flat, boring, and generally completely lifeless.

I've just moved on to the next step in audio crazyness... I absolutely can not STAND listening to my CDs now whereas the dynamics are compressed.

It's a happysad sortof thing. Now most of my CDs are irritating, but now I can seek out new music that will move me in ways my current music never dreamed of.

 

[Duncan]

I'd love a vinyl based system, but don't you have to spend serious amounts of cash for it to sound really good, and to get rid of the pops and crackles?

I remember working out (all the way back in 1993) that for the best turntable, arm and cartridge available (then) would cost £33k!!

I do know what you mean though, there is definetly something missing with CDs, i think that is why Pioneer started with its "Legato Link" players back in the mid 90's

There will come a day when i join you in your elitism, until then, i wish you luck in your conquest

 

[Xander]

Quote:

Originally posted by Duncan I'd love a vinyl based system, but don't you have to spend serious amounts of cash for it to sound really good, and to get rid of the pops and crackles? I remember working out (all the way back in 1993) that for the best turntable, arm and cartridge available (then) would cost £33k!! I do know what you mean though, there is definetly something missing with CDs, i think that is why Pioneer started with its "Legato Link" players back in the mid 90's There will come a day when i join you in your elitism, until then, i wish you luck in your conquest

Indeed.. This synergy exists on CDs that are allowed to contain a wide dynamic range, though, and that are recorded well. I find that a few of my CDs that are recorded well, with exceptional dynamic range, I prefer more then vinyl alone. For example, Pink Floyd The Wall (Doug Sax remaster) when I close my eyes, I can actually imagine a pizza spinning on my rack. I can't do this with most CDs. CDs with compressed dynamics tend to sound harsh and thin, too.

I want to get back into vinyl, but mainly just to find cheap old music, since I've spend so much on CDs now that I dont really enjoy anymore, it's very discouraging.

 

[Xander]

Quote:

Originally posted by Flasken b.s. (weeeeee)

I really dont find that the least bit funny. Maybe I should use this thread as an example as to why drinking is bad, and how much of an inept imbecile it makes you appear.

 

[Duncan]

Oops, Sorry about that Xander, I thought i'd deleted that post before anyone could see it

Like you say though, we'll have the last laugh tomorrow

 

[KR...]

maybe having a lot of newbies isn't all a good thing.

remember kiddies, friends don't let friends post drunk, well unless it's a drinking board or something

 

[Xander]

Quote:

Originally posted by KR... maybe having a lot of newbies isn't all a good thing. remember kiddies, friends don't let friends post drunk, well unless it's a drinking board or something

LOL!