Reading that reference to ”bell wire” reminded me of a conversation I had recently with someone running a modest audio set up - Marantz CD player, integrated amp and old Mission “bookshelf” speakers - the sort with that “spring clip" cable arrangement. They were indeed using “bell wire" to hookup the speakers. When I suggested they use some proper but inexpensive audio cable instead, the owner said “Oh, I’m not like you, I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to hear the difference".
I used to be much more on a mission. I’d spend time arguing the point in the hope that I’d awaken the other person to appreciating the Wonderful World Of Hifi, but now I think it’s better to have mercy and let sleeping dogs lie happily, therefore ensuring the unsuspecting victim’s avoidance of a future ongoing yawning money pit.
I think the best system you will ever hear is a very theoretical debate. Best compared to what.
I often think of this when people come home from a hifi show and the people who talk much about it always seem very sure about what was best among all the systems they have heard, when in reality most likely what was best was some of the system they heard before they got overwelmed by sound and people and got tired. Or the best was what lived up to expectations. I really dbout long time memory to be any objective measurement of anything, music, hifi, beer, coffee you name it.
I had some crappy music centre at home which I thought was pretty good because I’d never been exposed to a proper hifi. Then I went to university and one of my hall mates had a decent system. Pioneer PL12D record deck, Wharfedale Linton Speakers, Technics casette deck and Pioneer Receiver/Amp. It sounded glorius to me at the time. I realised that I wasn’t extracting anywhere near the music off my LPs in comparison. That was the day that I got hooked and I’ve been addicted ever since.
My first system was a Thorens TD140 with a Shure M55E cartridge, Sansui AU3900 integrated amp and Kef Cantor speakers with QED speaker cable. I added a Yamaha tape deck shortly after and was chuffed to mint balls with it. It was probably less than 18 months and I no longer had any of it. Linn LP12, Quad 33/405/FM4 pre/power/tuner and aforementioned Lintons that my mate sold me when he replaced them with some huge Wharfedale Dovedales(?) which he sat on the floor. By that point my speakers were on proper Foundation stands and my system sounded better than his (although I didn’t labour the point). That system lasted slightly longer but I was always chasing a better sound. I became a semi-permanent fixture in the hifi shops on Bridge street in Manchester.
One of my golden rules is never to audition new kit unless I am prepared to buy it. This has ensured my current system is the best I have ever heard. I have no hifi mates and I definitely do not go to shows. What I do have are some memorable demonstration experiences leading along the way, but that’s it.
It may comfort you or not, but I recognise your experience. When we moved into our current house 10 years ago we needed better speakers and amp since our new living was far bigger. We got a supernait 1 and b&w cm1’s. Magic sound it was. They could set the entire room on fire with music and it was my first hifi experience.
Years and many upgrades later I still have that system and when I listen to it I hear what it did but I also hear what I’m missing now. The holy grail has become a bit pale.
I was telling my friend a neighbour for ages that changing from bell wire would make a difference, but no he insisted that the wire couldn’t make a difference. Eventually he did get some better stuff and had to admit he was wrong.
I thought I might add to this interesting topic as my journey to where I am now, and more than pleased with my current set up
My first”hifi” system was a Pioneer PL15, a Leak amplifier (I did gardening etc for the owner to pay for it) and a pair of Sony SS70 speakers, and the Cars “Best Friends Girl” was amazing
Of course time moves on and I had the ubiquitous LP 12, 42.5/Hicap/250/ Briks and loved it.
Never forgot the first foray into what I thought “hifi” was and have never forgot the excitement.
I agree that the first true HiFi system one gets is almost certainly the biggest leap in sound quality you will ever hear but not necessarily the first system will be the best one. After that Improvements come in smaller increments (the oft quoted of diminishing returns at play) while they also become more expensive. The aim though is to end up with the best system you wish to afford.
I would say that the buying of my first system was the most exciting event in my HiFi journey although the later purchase of my beloved Michell Gyrodec a few years later must come close.
I well remember my first true HiFi system. A Michell Focus One TT with a Michell Unipivot arm and A&R P77 cart. The amp was Crimson Elektrik 510/520 pre and power combo with Mission 700 speakers. It sounded great and far better than anything I had heard up to that point.
No idea if just you, but it’s not the case with me! First hifi for me was great, firstly because I then had my own rather than sneaking plays on my brother’s Dansette type record player, and secondly because it sounded so much better, especially actually having bass (ah, that was a lovely thing to have, even if rather lumpy and wallowy as I later was to learn). But I knew better was possible, and I aimed to achieve it one day. I’d like to say the the best hifi I’ve ever heard is mine now, but unfortunately it is only second best, the very best having been with a somewhat lesser system (Thorens TD150 TT with Rega RB300 and an ATC MC cartridge through Musical Fidelity The Preamp 2A and P170 amplification driving IMF RSPM speakers), but in the open air effectively with no room effects. (More details here: https://community.naimaudio.com/t/whats-the-best-sounding-system-youve-ever-heard/11188/25)
A major turning point was when I bought an all-Naim system in Battersea in 2004 and I was delighted with the sound quality - different and way better than any of my previous systems.
Another moment was in Audio Images in Sheffield a few years ago when Andy Tooley let me sit in the large back storeroom among the stacks of Naim and Meridian boxes and gear, listening to NDX2, SN, SBLs - I remained sitting there for about 3 hours transfixed by the sound of the sibbles.
In my book it’s the textbook definition of presumption. I think we got the point of the original post just fine. We just happened not to agree with the sentiment.
I had only two and only two real Whouah! time in my hifi journey .
The first was at the beginning, going from 112/150/ P3/ Rega Apollo to 202/200/ flatcap/ P25/ Rega Jupiter CD player. It was like someone taking his first crack.
The second was when I get installed an SME 20/2 / Koetsu black to replace my REGA P9/ exact.
After, all the many upgrades I made gave „ oh, it’s better, yes”. Not the same.
There have been too many moments of audio ecstasy to mention, and that is because each and every trepidatious footfall on the ice of the hifi river has brought about a new and even more exciting interpretation of the music collection. From 42 to 32.5, the addition of a SNAPs, or swapping in a 250.2DR for the 180, they all recreated that first sense of excitement felt with the Sony PSLX4. No diminishing returns here.
However, there wet three moments which helped propel my interest in pursuing perfection.
my next door neighbour’s bedroom system: JVC tape deck, and JVC-amped Wharfedale XP2 Lintons playing the Wall, 1979.
Patrick Hernandez’s father’s top of the range Sony ES system, as well as Patrick’s own studio Sony rack system playing Thriller, 1982.
a Nakamichi Dragon playing Slave to the Rhythm through a Rotel 820 and Wharfedale Diamonds, in a hall of residence; the sound through the open windows was so dynamic, I ran up 2 flights of stairs to find and congratulate the owner on their excellent choice of kit, 1985.
Each of these experiences set me on the eternal quest you know so well!
