So You Want to be an Audiophile?

The first thing people think of when they hear the word “audiophile” is a high-end sound system. Generally, this is perceived as a very expensive endeavor. While it is possible to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in pursuit of perfect audio, it is not necessary. The defining attribute and pursuit of the audiophile is to reproduce music in a way that is as close as possible to an artist’s live performance; to capture and experience all of the nuances and subtleties. When it comes to power filters, amplifiers, pre-amps and all of the source players on the market, this is the end goal: faithful reproduction.

So, before we get into a brief overview of the various components, it must be understood that the single most important element in the perfect audio equation is the source. Every recording won’t be perfect and as you venture deeper into the world of full-blown audiophile obsession, you may run into this time and again. But the first step on the road is to stop listening to mp3s. They are fantastic for compressing that data and filling your iPod, but the method by which they compress is to carve out the very subtleties you would be seeking; those that get lost in the clutter of competing noise. Utilize a FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) when importing or choosing digital download options. Also, if you are really looking to discern, look for DVD audio vs. CD (24 vs. 16 bit depth which means more detail.)

There are several components to build out a full system:

Power:

Power Amps – It’s not about the wattage. The major differences between high-end and consumer amps is that high-end amps are designed to make speakers work their best. When it comes to this, it is a matter of overcoming resistance and this is not done with Watts, but with current. The load in ohms will be a better determinant. (Your ears can tell you with a demo in a local retailer.)

Pre-Amps – Think of these as the control center. They sit in front of the power amp and provide the volume and input controls for other system components and will provide enough power to drive the amp and get through all of the cabling.

Playback:

CD Players – You will find a return to a single source, dedicated CD player, with all the focus on pure reproduction of sound. It will appear very minimal. The extra features and digital bells and whistles can add “noise” and the idea is to get purity of sound.

Turntables – If you are unaware of this, people still love vinyl. Many would argue that a record is simply more “musical” than a CD can ever be. A turntable, as you may think of it, is really three parts: the table itself, the tone arm and the cartridge. They are all critical components to faithful reproduction. The end goal is perfect balance and alignment of the needle to the groove. That being said, don’t skimp on the cartridge once you have a solid tone arm and table.

To be sure, whatever your opinion, the enthusiasm for the turntable knows very little bounds. You can buy a turntable that has the same high speed microprocessor as the mars rover for a mere $150,000.

Computer – With FLAC recordings, your laptop or home computer can provide a solid output.

Music Servers – The digital jukebox will help you clean out boxes of CDs, but make sure to rip those tunes with a lossless compression to get the best sound.

Tuners – If radio is still your thing, buy a dedicated tuner. There are several options, including those that will receive satellite and HD radio.

Speakers:

Speakers do the end job. This is what most of us think of in terms of defining the audio experience. Remember it is just one of many components that will shape that experience. There are so many choices, it will really be up to personal preference. But a general note on high-end (read: spendy) speakers vs. those big towers you might find at a mass-market retailer. The high-end speaker is designed to reproduce faithfully. So you may not hear what you perceive as deep bass. Truly rich and deep bass at an appreciable volume is an expensive proposition. Most musical information lives in the midrange and high-end speakers will faithfully reproduce the midrange and a smooth treble.

Your ears will be your best tool for doing the research. Find a dedicated independent audio dealer. Chances are you will find an audiophile who will be excited to educate you and show you how the components and source can affect the sound. Pick a piece of music you are familiar with and listen to it through various set-ups to truly appreciate the difference. When you hear something you never heard before, you will be hooked. But be warned, once your ears are tuned in to a truly outstanding audio experience, the pursuit of the perfect system can be addictive!