The Equipment
Our Approach
The Discerning Listener understands the need for versatility in approaching each clients unique circumstance, set up and requirements.
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The Discerning Listener, is your solutions focused audio consulting and delivery provider.
Our approach ensures true independence, accessing the right product for your specific requirements.
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Is your audio equipment's performance at it best potential? Is the ​​Stereo performance needing assistance to bring it into focus?
does the HiFi Rack matter to performance?
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Defining the Ages of Audio Equipment
The evolution of audio equipment has been marked by distinct eras, each characterized by technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences. From the vintage age to the current streaming era, the journey of audio equipment reflects broader trends in technology and culture.
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The Vintage Age (Pre-1970s)
The vintage age, often referred to as the analogue age, was a period where audio equipment was predominantly mechanical and electrical. This era saw the rise of vinyl records, reel-to-reel tape recorders, and vacuum tube amplifiers. The equipment from this time is celebrated for its warm, rich sound quality, which many audiophiles still cherish today. Brands like Marantz, McIntosh, and Pioneer became household names, producing high-fidelity systems that set the standard for audio reproduction.
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The Digital Age (Post-1980s)
The introduction of the Compact Disc (CD) in the early 1980s marked the beginning of the digital age. CDs marketed as a cleaner, more durable medium for music storage compared to vinyl and tapes. This era also saw the development of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and solid-state amplifiers, which provided greater reliability and efficiency. The digital age brought about a significant shift in how music was produced, distributed, and consumed, with digital recording techniques becoming the norm.
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The Loudness War Age (1990s-2000s)
The 1990s and 2000s were marked by the Loudness War, a period characterized by the increasing use of dynamic range compression to make recordings sound louder. This trend was driven by the rise of portable audio devices and the popularity of MP3 files, which often sacrificed audio quality for convenience and file size. The Loudness War led to widespread criticism from audiophiles and music professionals who lamented the loss of audio fidelity.
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The Streaming Age (2010s-Present)
The advent of streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal has revolutionized the way we access and enjoy music. This era is defined by the convenience of having vast music libraries at our fingertips and the ability to stream high-resolution audio. Additionally, there has been a notable resurgence in vinyl records, driven by a renewed appreciation for analogue sound and the tactile experience of physical media. High-resolution audio formats and lossless streaming options have also gained popularity, catering to audiophiles seeking the best possible sound quality.
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Conclusion
Each era of audio equipment has brought its own innovations and challenges, shaping the way we experience music. From the warm, analogue sounds of the vintage age to the convenience and high fidelity of the streaming age, the evolution of audio technology continues to influence the way we access music for our listening experiences.
As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how future advancements will further transform the landscape of audio equipment.
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Our online showroom is dedicated to essential items.
Considered investments, these items when used correctly form an integral foundation of performance, ensuring maximum results of your system.
From source media, (the record) to each system component, irrespective of the equipment. Our online showroom highlights the often overlooked but essential items needed to enhance the selfish indulgence of discerning listening
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The online showroom uniquely offers the range of essentials, regardless of budget, from modest to extravagant luxury.
Each personally hand selected after rigorous testing these are a must for any discerning listener.
The Essentials, are categorised into the following:
1. Record Cleaning and Care
2. Vibration Control (& Room Acoustics)
3. Audio System Cleaning and care
4. Listening Chair
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The essentials categories are equally positioned on scale of importance.
The synergistic relationship presents the implementation of each combined results presents a greater than sum of each.
The Essentials for any discerning listening experience include:
1. Cleaning and Maintenance equipment and products:
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3. Audio System Cleaning and care
4. Listening Chair:
The listening position and psychoacoustics:
The listening position is another important component of discerning listening. The position of the listener can affect the way sound is perceived, and the quality of the listening environment can affect the way sound is processed by the brain. Psychoacoustics is the study of how the brain processes sound, and it is an essential component of discerning listening.
4. Audio equipment:
While it is generally accepted High-quality audio equipment as an essential component of discerning listening. The quality of the components, such as the turntable, amplifier, and speakers, can affect the sound quality. Investing in high-quality equipment can help you achieve the best possible sound quality, though the best results are only possible when all factors of discerning listening are considered, from vibration control, lighting and seating.
5. Recording medium
Production Quality:
The recording medium is another important component of discerning listening. The quality of the recording medium, such as vinyl, tape, radio, CD, or digital streaming, can affect the sound quality. Each medium has its own strengths and weaknesses, and a discerning listener should be able to appreciate the nuances of each medium.
Manufacturer Sonic Characteristics Performance
Alright, let's delve into the sonic characteristics of these esteemed audio manufacturers and how their equipment might perform across different residential acoustic environments. I've crafted a consulting matrix to help assess their probable stereo audio performance in both hard-surfaced rooms and carpeted rooms with soft furnishings.
Consulting Table Matrix: Audio Equipment and Speaker Performance in Different Acoustic Environments
Audio Equipment Manufacturers
ManufacturerSonic CharacteristicsPerformance in Hard Surface RoomPerformance in Carpeted Room
AnthemNeutral, Detailed, DynamicHard Surface Room: Offers clarity and precision, but the detailed nature might lead to accentuated reflections, making highs sound sharper. Room may feel overly bright.Carpeted Room: Excels with balanced sound; soft furnishings absorb excess reflections, allowing the equipment's neutrality to shine without harshness.
YamahaBalanced, Natural SoundHard Surface Room: Natural sound signature handles reflections moderately well, but may experience some emphasis on higher frequencies due to hard surfaces.Carpeted Room: Performs admirably; the balanced output blends well with the dampened acoustics, providing a warm and engaging listening experience.
AMCWarm, SmoothHard Surface Room: Warmth helps mitigate harsh reflections; smooth delivery reduces potential harshness, offering a more pleasant listening experience in reflective spaces.Carpeted Room: Warm and smooth characteristics are enhanced, resulting in a rich and enveloping sound that complements the soft furnishings.
DenonBalanced, Slightly WarmHard Surface Room: Handles reflections reasonably well; slight warmth helps reduce brightness, but may still encounter some high-frequency emphasis in very reflective rooms.Carpeted Room: Sound becomes fuller and more controlled; soft furnishings allow the slight warmth to present music naturally without added coloration.
MarantzWarm, RichHard Surface Room: Warm and rich tones help counteract the brightness from reflections, providing a more relaxed sound even in challenging rooms.Carpeted Room: Exceptional synergy; the warmth and richness are further enhanced, delivering a lush and immersive audio experience.
OnkyoDetailed, PunchyHard Surface Room: Punchy dynamics can become exaggerated; detailed highs may sound harsh due to reflections, leading to fatigue over extended listening sessions.Carpeted Room: Improved performance; soft furnishings temper the punchiness and tame the highs, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable sound.
HegelNeutral, High ResolutionHard Surface Room: High-resolution output may highlight room imperfections; reflections can make the sound overly analytical and less cohesive.Carpeted Room: Thrives in this environment; the neutral and detailed sound breathes, offering clarity and depth without harshness.
NADWarm, MusicalHard Surface Room: Warmth aids in reducing perceived brightness; musicality shines through despite the reflective surfaces.Carpeted Room: Gains fullness and body; the musical nature of NAD equipment is complemented by the room's acoustics, enhancing the listening pleasure.
BluesoundNeutral, Digital Streaming FocusHard Surface Room: Neutrality may lead to emphasizing room reflections; digital edge could be highlighted in bright environments.Carpeted Room: Performs well; neutrality is maintained without added brightness, providing a clean and accurate sound.
ArcamNeutral-Warm, MusicalHard Surface Room: Handles reflections adeptly; the slight warmth softens potential harshness from hard surfaces, maintaining musicality.Carpeted Room: Excellent match; the acoustics enhance the neutral-warm signature, delivering a satisfying and engaging audio experience.
AudiolabDetailed, AnalyticalHard Surface Room: Analytical nature may become too forward; reflections can cause the sound to be overly bright and less enjoyable.Carpeted Room: Details are presented clearly without harshness; the room acoustics help balance the analytical character with warmth.
Cambridge AudioBalanced, Slightly WarmHard Surface Room: Manages reflections moderately; slight warmth helps prevent excessive brightness, though some high-frequency emphasis may persist.Carpeted Room: Harmonious performance; the balanced output flourishes, and the warmth adds to the comfort of the listening environment.
ParasoundPowerful, NeutralHard Surface Room: Power output can exacerbate room reflections; neutrality may make room imperfections more noticeable, affecting the overall sound quality.Carpeted Room: Strong performance; power is controlled, and neutrality allows for an accurate portrayal of music without room-induced artifacts.
LEAKVintage WarmthHard Surface Room: Warm, vintage sound helps counteract reflective harshness; creates a nostalgic and pleasant experience even in challenging rooms.Carpeted Room: Warmth is enriched; combines beautifully with soft furnishings to deliver a cozy and inviting sound.
Musical FidelityNeutral, DetailedHard Surface Room: Detailed output may emphasize reflections; highs could become sharp, affecting listening comfort over time.Carpeted Room: Performs excellently; details are crisp without being harsh, and neutrality provides a true representation of recordings.
RotelBalanced, DynamicHard Surface Room: Dynamics may lead to amplified reflections; could experience some brightness, but generally handles the environment acceptably.Carpeted Room: Dynamics are well-controlled; room acoustics enhance the balanced signature, offering an engaging and lively sound.
RoksanDetailed, EnergeticHard Surface Room: Energy and detail may result in brightness and listener fatigue due to reflections; might require careful placement.Carpeted Room: Energy is harnessed effectively; room acoustics soften reflections, allowing the energetic character to be enjoyed fully.
Speaker Manufacturers
ManufacturerSonic CharacteristicsPerformance in Hard Surface RoomPerformance in Carpeted Room
Sonus FaberWarm, Musical, Rich MidrangeHard Surface Room: Warmth mitigates harsh reflections; maintains a pleasurable sound, though some detail may be lost due to room acoustics.Carpeted Room: Outstanding synergy; rich midrange blossoms, delivering a luxurious and enveloping experience that complements the room.
CantonNeutral, DetailedHard Surface Room: Neutrality may accentuate reflections; highs can become sharp in bright environments, affecting overall enjoyment.Carpeted Room: Clarity and detail shine; room acoustics absorb excess reflections, allowing the speakers to perform at their best.
ParadigmAccurate, DynamicHard Surface Room: Dynamics may lead to exaggerated reflections; soundstage can become confused, impacting imaging and precision.Carpeted Room: Performs admirably; accuracy and dynamics are preserved, offering a clear and impactful listening experience.
WharfedaleWarm, SmoothHard Surface Room: Warmth helps reduce harshness from reflections; provides a more relaxed and listenable sound in challenging rooms.Carpeted Room: Exceptional match; warmth and smoothness are enhanced, delivering a comforting and engaging sound.
KlipschLively, Highly Efficient, Horn TweetersHard Surface Room: Can be harsh and overly bright; horn tweeters amplify reflections, leading to significant listener fatigue.Carpeted Room: Improved performance; soft furnishings absorb excess energy, taming the brightness and allowing the lively character to be enjoyed.
FocalDetailed, AnalyticalHard Surface Room: May become too bright; detailed highs can be exaggerated by reflections, making the sound sharp and fatiguing.Carpeted Room: Details are presented beautifully; room acoustics balance the analytical nature, providing a precise yet enjoyable sound.
KEFNeutral, Uni-Q Driver TechnologyHard Surface Room: Uni-Q drivers have wide dispersion, which may lead to increased reflections; careful placement is essential to mitigate issues.Carpeted Room: Excellent imaging and soundstage; room acoustics enhance performance, allowing the Uni-Q technology to deliver immersive sound.
MissionWarm, MusicalHard Surface Room: Warmth aids in reducing perceived brightness; delivers a musical and enjoyable experience despite room challenges.Carpeted Room: Thrives in this environment; warmth and musicality are heightened, offering a rich listening experience.
Monitor AudioDetailed, Slightly BrightHard Surface Room: Brightness can be accentuated; reflections may cause highs to be piercing, leading to discomfort over long sessions.Carpeted Room: Performs well; soft furnishings temper the brightness, allowing details to be enjoyed without harshness.
HarbethWarm, Natural MidrangeHard Surface Room: Warmth and natural midrange mitigate reflective issues; maintains a coherent and pleasant sound in less than ideal conditions.Carpeted Room: Outstanding performance; natural tones and warmth are enhanced, creating an immersive and emotionally engaging experience.
Acoustic EnergyNeutral, DynamicHard Surface Room: Dynamics may be overemphasized; neutrality could expose room imperfections, affecting overall balance.Carpeted Room: Balanced and controlled; room acoustics complement the dynamic nature, providing a lively yet refined sound.
CabasseDetailed, Wide DispersionHard Surface Room: Wide dispersion increases reflections; highs may become overly bright, and imaging can suffer in reflective spaces.Carpeted Room: Soundstage is expansive and controlled; room acoustics help focus the wide dispersion into a coherent and enjoyable experience.
Bowers & WilkinsDetailed, Slightly BrightHard Surface Room: High frequencies may become harsh; reflections can make the sound aggressive, potentially causing listener fatigue.Carpeted Room: Excellent clarity and detail; soft furnishings balance the brightness, allowing for an engaging and comfortable listen.
Wilson AudioHighly Detailed, DynamicHard Surface Room: May reveal too much of the room's flaws; reflections can distort the precise sound, leading to a less satisfying experience.Carpeted Room: Exceptional performance; detailed and dynamic sound is presented flawlessly, with room acoustics complementing the speakers' capabilities.
Wilson BeneschDetailed, High ResolutionHard Surface Room: Reflective surfaces interfere with high-resolution output; sound may become analytical and less emotionally engaging.Carpeted Room: High resolution is delivered with finesse; room acoustics allow the intricate details to be appreciated fully without harshness.
Key Insights and Considerations
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Hard Surface Rooms:
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Challenges: Reflective surfaces like tiles, stone benches, and large windows can cause excessive reverberation, leading to harshness, especially in the higher frequencies. This can result in listener fatigue and a less enjoyable experience.
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Mitigation Strategies: Opting for equipment and speakers with warm or smooth sonic characteristics can help counteract the brightness. Placement is crucial; angling speakers and experimenting with positions can minimize reflections.
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Carpeted Rooms with Soft Furnishings:
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Advantages: Soft furnishings act as natural acoustic treatments, absorbing excess reflections and smoothing out the frequency response. This environment typically enhances warmth and reduces harshness, allowing for a more balanced and pleasant sound.
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General Recommendations:
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Synergy Matters: Matching the equipment and speakers to the room's acoustics is essential. Warm-sounding components may perform better in reflective spaces, while detailed and neutral gear shines in acoustically dampened rooms.
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Room Interaction: Regardless of the environment, understanding how sound interacts with the room is key. Consider incorporating elements like rugs, curtains, or bookshelves to subtly improve acoustics without significant alterations.
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Exploring Further
Have you thought about how even minimal adjustments to your space can elevate your listening experience? Sometimes, introducing a few plants, decorative rugs, or strategically placed furniture can make a world of difference without the need for formal acoustic treatments.
Also, delving into specific combinations of these manufacturers might unlock that perfect synergy tailored to your unique environment. For instance, pairing a warm amplifier with neutral speakers could balance out the overall sound. It's all about experimenting and finding what resonates with you.
Remember, the journey to audio nirvana is as much about the exploration as it is about the destination. If you'd like to discuss how certain equipment might interact in your specific setting or explore ways to optimize your current setup, let's keep the conversation going. Your perfect soundscape is just around the corner.
Cleaning and Maintenance equipment and products:
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2. Room and room acoustics:
Vibration Control
2. Vibration Control
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2. Room and room acoustics:
The acoustics of the room can have a significant impact on the performance of your audio system. The way sound waves interact with the space around them can affect the clarity and tonality of the sound. Every room has a distinct sonic signature, made up of the way sound bounces around it and the resonances that generates. This has to do with the room’s size and construction, as well as the way it is furnished 1.
Empower
Growth3
. Audio System Cleaning and care
The Essential Listening Chair
A listening chair is a type of chair that is designed to provide a comfortable and immersive listening experience for music enthusiasts. It is an essential piece of furniture for any audiophile who wants to enjoy music in a relaxed and comfortable environment. There are many different types of listening chairs available, ranging from classic designs to modern and contemporary styles.
The right listening chair can make a big difference in your listening experience. It can help you relax and focus on the music, while also providing a comfortable and supportive seat. If you’re looking for a new listening chair, consider trying out a few different styles to find the one that works best for you.
When it comes to choosing an ideal listening chair, there are a few things to consider. Accordingly, the chair should be comfortable and placed correctly in the room, engaging the room acoustic properties in relation to the speakers to heighten the musical experience
As it is usual to engage in listening for several hours TDL suggests that the chair should be of higher quality and remain comfortable for hours of use at a time
A low-back chair is preferable as it prevents sound from bouncing near your ears 2. The Eames lounge chair and the Ekornes Stressless are popular choices, but they can be quite expensive 2.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, you can check out My Chair Reviews for a list of chairs that are suitable for listening to music.
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Positioning within the room, proper viewing/listening angles, distances and sightlines can be calculated and determined in you’re A/V RoomService design package. Optimum positioning results in superior audio fidelity in; soundstage, image size, detail, bass articulation, etc. and video fidelity in; color uniformity, geometry, resolution, contrast, etc.
In addition to the above, positioning within the seats themselves play an important role in the final fulfillment. The seats you choose must meet your individual needs for comfort and style, yet they must not obstruct or distract viewing or listening. A few guidelines are listed here.
1. Seats should recline 12-15° (with you in it). This is optimum for a comfortably seated sightline while also keeping you inside the color discrimination angle limit.
2. Seats that extend over the shoulders will interfere with the frequency response of both the front and surround speakers. They will reflect sound from the front, and block the sound from the rear. The sacrifice for good audio fidelity may be that you do not have a support rest for your head.
3. Consider the fabric from three points of view; comfort, color (black is best as it doesn’t illuminate from screen light output, causing a visual distraction), and acoustics (for example; some leather seats make noise when you move around in them. Leather will absorb less mid and high frequencies than cloth, which may or may not be desirable depending on the other material noise reduction coefficients that make up the room).
4. Try out the chair yourself. Make sure it is comfortable, functional and quiet. See if you can try it out at home – you want to know if it’s comfortable enough for a long movie, yet not so comfortable that it puts you to sleep.
5. Consider that if more than one row is to have fully reclinable seats in a theater with three or more rows, that the front row(s) may be pushed closer to the screen and front speakers than is desirable, and/or the rear row(s) may be pushed too far away from the screen and front speakers than is desirable, unless the room size and associated A/V equipment is big enough to accommodate them.
6. Just as placing speakers close to a wall results in poor sound quality, so does placing listeners. This can be calculated, but in general a distance of at least a few feet should be adequate.
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