The music goes on
U
only the hardware changes!
By SIMON HESTER, Ultimate Audio
ltimate Audio has been retailing and installing audio systems in Jersey for the last six
years and although there are many innovations that keep cropping up such as CD rippers and servers, iPads, DAC’s and the latest ‘I must have gadget’, fundamentally nothing has changed in the audio world. My business is still all about providing people with a means of listening to music in the comfort of their home
in a fashion that suits their needs, budget, listening habits, functionality and most of all fidelity. It is only the hardware that changes from time to time, the bit in between the musician and the listener.
Whether you are looking to experience the scale of an orchestra, a swinging jazz trio, the visceral impact of a rock band or the intimacy of a solo performer in your lounge there will be a system that that suits your needs and it is the dealer’s job to tailor the right system.
In my opinion a system, just like the musician, needs to engage the listener on an emotional level otherwise it is not doing its job. Like all audiophiles I could drone on for hours over the merits of this or that amplifier or turntable cartridge but my role is very simple. Set up a system and listen. If it provides an enjoyable listening experience then it is a good system regardless of price. You may crave bigger bass in which case you can change the speakers.
You may require more power, change the amplifier. You may be looking for every last ounce of detail, in which case open your wallet as the law of diminishing returns does apply! With Hi Fi as with many things in life there is no right or wrong if you enjoy the sound it makes it is the right system and the bigger the system gets the more subjective it becomes.
There is a convergence of technology now where you can operate your music system, lighting, security cameras and even run your bath from your iPhone and although this has its appeal it has in many cases diluted the overall performance of systems with budgets being allocated towards stringing speakers everywhere in the ceiling and central music servers however I would encourage anyone building a house to consider a main listening room where a true audiophile system can be enjoyed. The same applies to home cinema which is tremendous fun which the whole family can enjoy.
Although the internet has its place you cannot substitute listening to equipment prior to purchase. Many a time people read a review in a press release and purchase an item on the
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