Better half's View on Huge Investment in AV!

[preth30]

Here you have not specified anything about the source which is more relevant than the amplifier used. So as per my opinion, it is difficult to comment on what was lacking. If the source is a quality one, good recordings sound very good and bad recording still is very much listenable. With Tidal streaming service, most recording is a pleasure and enjoyable on Harbeth speaker provided you have a decent to very good Dac.
I don't have experience with cd players so can't comment on what will float the boat.

I mentioned about the source, a very expensive cd player. If my memory is correct, it was a cd player from Audio Analogue. I have not used Tidal, only spotify and apple music. CDs sound better than both of them. I don't know about Tidal. I have not heard from that service.

 

[preth30]

In my opinion, there are ways to assemble a system to suit one's music preferences and expectations for sound at all price points. What happened to your friend does not prove the hypothesis that "more expensive will only sound better with audiophile recordings". Wrong system assembly is a malady that pervades the hobby at all price points.

What system did he go back to? OR What did he upgrade from ?

He uses a Creek 6060 now, paired with a Rogers book shelf speaker. He has got himself an old NAD 3020 too, paired with a Boston VR 940.

 

[Hari Iyer]

After all the objective and subjective tweaking i do on my setup - if my better half don't like the sound then something is definitely not correct. There is only once in a million chance that she may tell its nice , perfect

 

[morerajendra5678]

After all the objective and subjective tweaking i do on my setup - if my better half don't like the sound then something is definitely not correct. There is only once in a million chance that she may tell its nice , perfect

Why was there a need to tweak the system after your better half liked it for the first time?
i am sure your better half must have shared with you about something not right in the system after a previous instance of having liked it. This is relevant from your observation.

 

[square_wave]

He uses a Creek 6060 now, paired with a Rogers book shelf speaker. He has got himself an old NAD 3020 too, paired with a Boston VR 940.

He seems to like gear that is more forgiving so that all music sounds listenable and also sound quite decent in terms of fidelity. However, there are ways to assemble forgiving music systems even at higher price points bringing even more musicality, emotional resonance, and the pleasure of listening without analytical fatigue without the disadvantages of some vintage gear.

 

[morerajendra5678]

He seems to like gear that is more forgiving so that all music sounds listenable and also sound quite decent in terms of fidelity. However, there are ways to assemble forgiving music systems even at higher price points bringing even more musicality, emotional resonance, and the pleasure of listening without analytical fatigue without the disadvantages of some vintage gear.

Creek has typical British sound signature. Along with Rogers which again have same sound signature makes for well supported system. Few only reject British sound signature as they are meant for long listening sessions including all day listening.