Comparison of two systems

[PHC1]

So I thought it would be neat to compare and contrast a case of two systems.

The obvious goal is to reach some pinnacle of audio nirvana. Do we get carried away in our quest? That is the question... You be the judge

Both are obviously my own, one from 2012 and one from today. Worlds apart in price.

Playing the same track of Ramsey Lewis Trio. Track 5, "Air from Suite #3"

Video number 1.
Wilson Alexia speakers, D'Agostino Momentum monos and I believe I was using a Krell S1200 as a preamp at that time. CD Player was the fantastic EAR Acute tubed CDP. Room fully custom built and fully treated to the tune of $20k for just the treatments. All together the system and room were over $150k easily. All Transparent cabling costing as much as an entry level automobile...

https://youtu.be/Ota9Qf9OY14


Video number 2.
Harbeth 30.2. PrimaLuna Dialogue HP. Bryston DBP Pi used as streamer. Roon for streaming instead of CD playback. Cables are a mix of entry level Transparent and some mid line WireWorld IC's.
Room completely untreated.
Cost 1/7 of the other system, under $20k.

https://youtu.be/oKU56PTsyNU


So the question is, do we tend to go overboard with our quest? I know the amount of satisfaction each system brought. Being completely honest, I derive no less satisfaction from system number 2. Ok, it is not as "Cool" but hey, it is some $130k cheaper too!

[PHC1]

Ok, perhaps not exactly fair to throw a triode running PrimaLuna into a SS comparison.

Here is the Luxman L590AXII going head to head.

D'Agostino/Wilson https://youtu.be/Ota9Qf9OY14

Luxman/Harbeth https://youtu.be/EOSIEiNmVAM

[2fastdriving]

Very cool to compare, however as you are undoubtedly aware, it's difficult to do on a computer listening to youtube!

Still, to me, the wilson system sounds more balanced. Of course I would say that because I have the same speakers

I am fully aware that much of this stuff is "in our head" and that you can derive practically the same enjoyment from a carefully executed system costing a fraction of what the super high end systems are.

I'm just glad to see you are happy, period!

[2fastdriving]

ooh i liked the luxman better than the tubes, I can tell you that. Still prefer the wilson setup.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

ooh i liked the luxman better than the tubes, I can tell you that. Still prefer the wilson setup.

Yes, speaking in absolute terms,

It's that effortless dynamic contrast that Wilson is so good at bringing out. Paired with the ultra resolving but oh so smooth and natural sounding D'Agostino, that has tons of current and grip over the speaker and it is tough to beat that combination for sure.

Harbeth can't quite match it and neither can the Luxman pull off that ultra resolving response. What they both lack in the ultimate resolution, together they still create a very enjoyable and musical presentation.

I am fully able to resolve the differences, even on the computer but as I said, I am just as emotionally moved by the Luxman/Harbeth as I was by Wilson/D'Agostino.

The question is still left up for the debate, are these differences worth the heavy premiums. Is that elusive pinnacle so important in chasing? What are your opinions on this?

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Yes, speaking in absolute terms,

It's that effortless dynamic contrast that Wilson is so good at bringing out. Paired with the ultra resolving but oh so smooth and natural sounding D'Agostino, that has tons of current and grip over the speaker and it is tough to beat that combination for sure.

Harbeth can't quite match it and neither can the Luxman pull off that ultra resolving response. What they both lack in the ultimate resolution, together they still create a very enjoyable and musical presentation.

I am fully able to resolve the differences, even on the computer but as I said, I am just as emotionally moved by the Luxman/Harbeth as I was by Wilson/D'Agostino.

The question is still left up for the debate, are these differences worth the heavy premiums. Is that elusive pinnacle so important in chasing? What are your opinions on this?

It's the same as with cars and many other luxuries we have (or want). If I'm really really into cars, then yes it would be worth it to stretch my budget to get the car I want. If I am into stereos then I would stretch my budget for that.

Unfortunately for me, I'm into both, and I'm not rich So I have to compromise.

It is worth it to a certain degree, it's where your bank account gives out that keeps most of us grounded. That being said, you can buy a fun car for a reasonable amount of money and you can also buy a fun stereo for a reasonable amount of money. As long as you can put the stuff you want but can't afford out of your head, you will be happy.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

It's the same as with cars and many other luxuries we have (or want). If I'm really really into cars, then yes it would be worth it to stretch my budget to get the car I want. If I am into stereos then I would stretch my budget for that.

Unfortunately for me, I'm into both, and I'm not rich So I have to compromise.

It is worth it to a certain degree, it's where your bank account gives out that keeps most of us grounded. That being said, you can buy a fun car for a reasonable amount of money and you can also buy a fun stereo for a reasonable amount of money. As long as you can put the stuff you want but can't afford out of your head, you will be happy.

I’ve read many articles on “being happy” and being happy while being “rich” by definition. Turns out, having more $$$$ than a “comfortable level” where one can afford to pay all the bills and have enough left over to indulge in things for the “soul”, having even $ millions on top, sadly doesn’t make one any more happy at all.

I know, hard to believe but it is true. Problem being is that the bigger more expensive “toys” are no more satisfying than the lesser but already useful and pleasurable ones. A Sophia owner may dream of Sasha, a Sasha owner dreams of Alexia and so it goes... Then there are those that buy the Wamm and are bored because there is nowhere to go after that.. It doesn’t seem to be the right answer at all.

[PHC1]

To add a word about cars... I have a very successful friend who used to trade in his one Ferrari for the next before even washing it once. I kid you not... he went through just about all the models in the span of about 30 years of Ferrari cars in about a year and a half. Nuts! He told me he got “bored” with it all...

I casually mentioned perhaps a nice house down the shore and taking the summers off to be with his family would be more “fun”??

That’s where you’ll find him these days in the summers. No more Ferrari cars in his garage either and not because he can’t afford them, just that his outlook on life and priorities have changed.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I’ve read many articles on “being happy” and being happy while being “rich” by definition. Turns out, having more $$$$ than a “comfortable level” where one can afford to pay all the bills and have enough left over to indulge in things for the “soul”, having even $ millions on top, sadly doesn’t make one any more happy at all.

I know, hard to believe but it is true. Problem being is that the bigger more expensive “toys” are no more satisfying than the lesser but already useful and pleasurable ones. A Sophia owner may dream of Sasha, a Sasha owner dreams of Alexia and so it goes... Then there are those that buy the Wamm and are bored because there is nowhere to go after that.. It doesn’t seem to be the right answer at all.

Wise words.

I informally surveyed a few friends recently to ask what they defined as “rich”

Net worths in the sample ranged from very little to many millions.

Those with a little, universally said $1 million net worth was “rich”...multimillionaires seemed to place a figure at multiples of their current net worth.

In other words, it’s almost universally “more”—-

This quest can be a slippery slope to never fully enjoying what we have...chasing the dragon indefinitely.

My favorite quote by Theodore Roosevelt fits here:

"Comparison Is the Thief of Joy".

Others who truly enjoy along the way- between upgrades are blessed indeed. (Others always looking for “more” tens to miss the now...I have been in both camps).

In contrast, contentment can be had for much less.

I love my gear, and toys, but I’m finding wisdom in seeking gratitude and not looking for the latest and greatest. The “very best” of 10 years ago is quite good when we consider the beginning of time

Back on point, I derive a lot of pleasure from my secondary system (Sonus Faber Cremonas and McIntosh MAC6700). In many cases, I spend more time with that system than my main rig with B&W 800s and all McIntosh separates.

The main rig is obviously better...but not to the degree of magnitude of the price difference.

[GSOphile]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

ooh i liked the luxman better than the tubes, I can tell you that. Still prefer the wilson setup.

+1 here