Re: I design loudspeakers and amplifiers to satisfy my own tastes ... and that taste
Correct on many counts. I personally shy away from the mass marketed, high volume manufacturers because experience has shown me the small guys are more passionate, and have better sounding products. Period. While I don't like to buy discontinued products, most often a reputable piece will be serviced by some audio nut out there and so if you stay connected you'll be okay.
My system contains components from small companies that are led by giants in the industry from an expertise perspective. I have speakers, preamp, cables, amps, which are not multimillion dollar corps. but who know good sound and what it takes to get there with no compromises.
So in my household 2 channel is alive and well.
I got off the "hifi" bus many years ago primarily because of similar sentiments.
I found hifi just getting more and more ridiculous especially in terms of prices of products.
I have to say I agree fully with the idea of "musicality" - systems have to have that basic quality to engage the listener. Bass levels these days are just not realistic anymore (literally). I hope that more people catch on to this. Thankfully there seems to be hope with some new designers because quite a few seasoned audiophiles are switching over to this preference.
Correct on many counts. I personally shy away from the mass marketed, high volume manufacturers because experience has shown me the small guys are more passionate, and have better sounding products. Period. While I don't like to buy discontinued products, most often a reputable piece will be serviced by some audio nut out there and so if you stay connected you'll be okay.
My system contains components from small companies that are led by giants in the industry from an expertise perspective. I have speakers, preamp, cables, amps, which are not multimillion dollar corps. but who know good sound and what it takes to get there with no compromises.
So in my household 2 channel is alive and well.