Music needs to be experienced, not just heard - that's the big takeaway for me after listening to Prem's set up earlier this week. I don't want to go into the sq characteristics - how deep was the bass, how good was the imaging or how natural were the instruments. Irrespective of where you stood in the room, there were 'live' musicians playing from the general direction of the equipment.
I have had the privilege of spending decades listening to live music and assisting bands set up on stage. And I have had the privilege of listening to systems costing upwards of USD 200K in dedicated listening rooms. Nowhere have I heard such a complete presentation of the music. Albums from a variety of genres, from Bollywood to Rock to Indian Classical to Western Classical, conveyed the same lush, natural and live atmosphere. The background vocals by Ladysmith B M on Paul Simon's Graceland, the rub of Zakir's left hand heel on the Bayan in 'Making Music', the crispness of the conversation between Dilip Kumar and Amitabh on the Shakti soundtrack - all brought out the beautiful tonal balance and the feeling of being 'right there'! And all the while, the deep deep bass from the 15 inchers that go so so deep without sounding artificially tight or thumpy! It is magical and incredible, leaving you in a daze.
All that I can recommend is that, if you desire to set a direction in which this hobby should take you, or if you just wish to immerse yourself into a world of good sound, plan a trip to Prem's place in Mumbai, it will be worth every mile travelled.
PS - An equally outstanding feature of my visit to Prem's place was his gracious hospitality. We spent a good 5 hours that evening despite his busy schedule. The warmth of his company, his depth of knowledge and the intensity of his passion for music added to the perfection of the overall experience.
I have had the privilege of spending decades listening to live music and assisting bands set up on stage. And I have had the privilege of listening to systems costing upwards of USD 200K in dedicated listening rooms. Nowhere have I heard such a complete presentation of the music. Albums from a variety of genres, from Bollywood to Rock to Indian Classical to Western Classical, conveyed the same lush, natural and live atmosphere. The background vocals by Ladysmith B M on Paul Simon's Graceland, the rub of Zakir's left hand heel on the Bayan in 'Making Music', the crispness of the conversation between Dilip Kumar and Amitabh on the Shakti soundtrack - all brought out the beautiful tonal balance and the feeling of being 'right there'! And all the while, the deep deep bass from the 15 inchers that go so so deep without sounding artificially tight or thumpy! It is magical and incredible, leaving you in a daze.
All that I can recommend is that, if you desire to set a direction in which this hobby should take you, or if you just wish to immerse yourself into a world of good sound, plan a trip to Prem's place in Mumbai, it will be worth every mile travelled.
PS - An equally outstanding feature of my visit to Prem's place was his gracious hospitality. We spent a good 5 hours that evening despite his busy schedule. The warmth of his company, his depth of knowledge and the intensity of his passion for music added to the perfection of the overall experience.