Greetings!
A few readers raised questions about my reported experience upgrading my amplifier from a McIntosh MC352 to an MC462. And good questions at that. Since the MC352 was traded in to afford the MC462, I could not go back to the MC352 for a proper comparison. Mine was an incredibly subjective observation. Even though objectivity is my goal, I know my perceptions are governed by much more than facts and figures. Mood is major sound component in my book.
There are many things that influence sound that physically have no influence on the sound. Try harsh fluorescent lighting versus candlelight, for example. Others have said they've had interesting results when they've combined drugs and music. The critical mindset tries to reach for the gold ring of objectivity. Auditioning new pairs of speakers calls for that mindset versus relaxing with a bottle of wine. I daresay -- measurements aside -- subjectivity rules the day in the end.
You like what you like. Is there really a best Philly cheesesteak sandwich? That's complicated even by one’s own tastes changing from day to day. Many readers have told me they have different systems for different music. If you have one system but a wide musical collection, finding the right system of all genres may be a compromise.
I find it safest to shut down my ultra-critical listening of my own system unless I am prepared to spend more money. It’s definitely more fun and cheaper to listen in relaxed mode.
Happy Listening,
The Audio Classic
