The right way to audio nirvana.

[Matthew-Spaltro]

I have been wondering about this for a long time. Is this the way the audio chain should go?

Source should cost the most. Then amp. Then headphones. At least that is how I see it.

 

[Gallaine]

Looking at my current system that appears to be my take as well.

I'll have to look up what Robert Harley says in his Guide to Audio (I forget the exact title - I am at work and don't have the book handy). But all my system's seem to have worked out they way you suggested: source -> amp -> speakers.

It seems to me that if you have speakers/headphones of significantly higher quality than your amp or source all you'll do is reveal the faults of upstream components.

EDIT: I guess I should add that quality isn't necessarily related to cost.

 

[grinch]

i imagine that to most people, it would be speakers, amp, source for audio nirvana.

 

[JaZZ]

Quote:

Originally posted by grinch i imagine that to most people, it would be speakers, amp, source for audio nirvana.

Speakers make the biggest sonic difference. So they should get the greatest attention. And with speakers, the amp is a bigger expense factor than with headphones. But in case of a headphone rig, the order source/amp/headphone is more appropriate.

[edit]

To complete my thoughts: the demands on the source is the same with headphones and speakers. But headphones and dedicated amps cost less than speakers and speaker amps.

The relations may vary in a great degree for the highest price classes. The best headphones cost more than amps or source devices one may consider as reasonable.

JaZZ

 

[bootman]

Quote:

Originally posted by Matthew-Spaltro Source should cost the most. Then amp. Then headphones. At least that is how I see it.

But like everything there are exceptions.
(and i always like the exceptions)

Example:
Check out this rig example.
(assuming you really like the Grado sound)
Phillips DVD 963
Mapletree Ear+
Grado RS-1

The cans are the most expensive in the chain ($600) with the source and amp very close in price. $400 vs $370

But look at this example:
(assuming you really like the Senn sound)
Arcam CD92
AudioValve RKV Mk II
Senn 600

Here the source is clearly the most expensive and the cans are the cheapest by far.

Which of the two systems will give you audio nirvana?
I'll bet both could.

It souldn't be too hard to give many more examples.

IMO, audio nirvana comes down more to system synergy than spending more on any one component in the audio chain.
It is this factor that probably frustrates more audiophiles in their quest.

 

[TimSchirmer]

Source, Headphones, then Amp.