Glossary of Audiophile Terms
verb
Posts: 10,176
Ok yes I'm a newbie when it comes to the world of Audiophile vernacular.
Admittedly, I've been a little hesitant to share my thoughts in detail about the new pieces that I've acquired along my journey.
So I got my read on, and found this from Stereophile.
http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/MUG/bbs/stereophile_audio-glossary.html
A rather comprehensive list of audiophile terms. Interesting read, that'll help me become more fluent (and understand others) in all things related to audiophile discourse.
Just sharing.
Admittedly, I've been a little hesitant to share my thoughts in detail about the new pieces that I've acquired along my journey.
So I got my read on, and found this from Stereophile.
http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/MUG/bbs/stereophile_audio-glossary.html
A rather comprehensive list of audiophile terms. Interesting read, that'll help me become more fluent (and understand others) in all things related to audiophile discourse.
Just sharing.
Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
Comments
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HAHA! Brilliant! Now thanks to you I’m going to waste the next 2 hours of my life reading it.
In all seriousness, thanks, I’ve been left puzzled by some terms in the past. -
Exactly! Us newbies (At least I consider myself one) gotta stick together, and up our game! I've always been an enthusiast, but never been able to articulate the details of this hobby much.Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
Exactly! Us newbies (At least I consider myself one) gotta stick together, and up our game! I've always been an enthusiast, but never been able to articulate the details of this hobby much.
Agreed. I’ve always enjoyed good sound, only recently became an enthusiast, and am beginning to pick up all these terms, but now I can know them all whenever they are needed.
That page has been bookmarked for future reference. -
airy = too much treble
revealing = too much treble and midrange
authoriative = lifeless
expansive = bad imaging
realistic = dull
analytical = screechy
fast = chalkboard scratching treble
involving = after a few beers
transparent = I have no friggin idea
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Lesson #1 complete. Thank you professor @OleBoot !Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
As long as you can use terms like "jaw-dropping" "throws a huge soundstage" and "PRaT" with a straight face, what more do you need?
If you're looking for a good, comprehensive intro to hifi, might I, humbly, suggest:
http://www.tubebooks.org/Books/crowhurst_basic_1.pdf
http://www.tubebooks.org/Books/crowhurst_basic_2.pdf
http://www.tubebooks.org/Books/crowhurst_basic_3.pdf
Yeah, they're a little old... but so are some of us...
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And a 1959 Bordeaux is old too.
Don't know about you, but *I* would pay attention to that bit of "old information" -
Education is key to understanding sound.
After all these years it seems 'transparency' is what a lot of hifi fans drive for and is expensive to gain each time you upgrade ones system. -
StewartHolmes83 wrote: »Education is key to understanding sound.
After all these years it seems 'transparency' is what a lot of hifi fans drive for and is expensive to gain each time you upgrade ones system.
Not really. Clarity to the sound doesn't have to come with a high price tag.
Words mean different things to different people, so put little stock in them.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Not really. Clarity to the sound doesn't have to come with a high price tag.
Words mean different things to different people, so put little stock in them.[/quote]
I agree with you, its not my personal choice. Just from hifi owners I have met around my area.
I understand individuality in quality. I like different systems for different moods -
StewartHolmes83 wrote: »Not really. Clarity to the sound doesn't have to come with a high price tag.
Words mean different things to different people, so put little stock in them.
I agree with you, its not my personal choice. Just from hifi owners I have met around my area.
I understand individuality in quality. I like different systems for different moods
Hey @StewartHolmes83 welcome to CP!
The purpose of the glossary was to establish a baseline of vocabulary, so when someone remarks about the characteristics of a system, or component, at least we (me especially) can get an idea of what they may be meaning.
I for one, am a novice, in audiophile vernacular! Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
Thank you. I do apologise as I get drifting away easy ☺️
For me it has taken me 20 years to understand the vocabulary and I wish I did what you have done here 😎
Knowing what sound you like is very rewarding and how are you doing so far? Some great info here so far -
StewartHolmes83 wrote: »
I understand individuality in quality. I like different systems for different moods
I completely agree with this statement as I guess moods will include genre's. Different setups play better with different genre's ie 'stats like Maggies do Jazz and Classical very well etc
Welcome to club polk
2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
I'm ok with some audiophilisms, but, and I am only going to say this once.Soundstages are not meant to be thrown
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StewartHolmes83 wrote: »Thank you. I do apologise as I get drifting away easy ☺️
For me it has taken me 20 years to understand the vocabulary and I wish I did what you have done here 😎
Knowing what sound you like is very rewarding and how are you doing so far? Some great info here so far
I'm a newbie. Been on a wild ride over the past year. When I started, I didn't know what I didn't know! Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
StewartHolmes83 wrote: »Education is key to understanding sound.
After all these years it seems 'transparency' is what a lot of hifi fans drive for and is expensive to gain each time you upgrade ones system.
Welcome aboard!Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10 -
"Turn it down" = Turn it upJust a dude doing dude-ly things
"Temptation is the manifestation of desire which equals necessity." - Mikey081057
" I have always had a champange taste with a beer budget" - Rick88
"Just because the thread is getting views don't mean much .. I like a good train wreck doesn't mean i want to be in one..." - pitdogg2
"Those that don't know, don't know that they don't know." - heiney9
"Audiophiles are the male equivalent of cat ladies." - Audiokarma Member -
Between me and the warehouse manager there are five different two channel set ups in said warehouse. Six if you include the 7.2.
Each has its own sound signature for the media being played. One is great with classical. The other might send out some good vibes with some King Crimson on vinyl. One is kickin booty with streaming hi-red...etc.....
Lots of experimenting with cables, sources, pre amps, amps...... It all sounds great to me in their own individual way. Rock on! -
Am happy to see some great hifi nuts on here 😎 big hello from me 👋
I estimate I am twenty years away from understanding what I like in hifi's..when I can't point at my speakers with my eyes shut I know am winning
Edited again because I should proof read at least lol -
"Transparency"? ~
The best way that I have heard this summed up was actually through a visual, not written words.
Take 40 panes of glass while trying to look at a fish swimming in crystal clear mountain water 3' down with a beautiful large rounded stone backdrop. Each window pane has a slight smoke haze or a slight.....ever so slight amount of debris or dust to it. When looking through one pane? No issues.
Look through all 40 panes with the same issues and now we have an issue. You can barely see the fish.
Now, put on polarized glasses. You can now see the fish better. Even at an angle, one can see that fish. Now, start removing a window pane one by one. With each pane gone, your image gets clearer and clearer. Until you are transparent.
Now apply that to audio and one has transparency. At least in my old mind...
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
It is crazy how our minds thinks.
One thing I ask myself when changing hifi is 'is it a placebo effect?'...takes me at least a week to answer myself lol -
"Transparency"? ~
The best way that I have heard this summed up was actually through a visual, not written words.
Take 40 panes of glass while trying to look at a fish swimming in crystal clear mountain water 3' down with a beautiful large rounded stone backdrop. Each window pane has a slight smoke haze or a slight.....ever so slight amount of debris or dust to it. When looking through one pane? No issues.
Look through all 40 panes with the same issues and now we have an issue. You can barely see the fish.
Now, put on polarized glasses. You can now see the fish better. Even at an angle, one can see that fish. Now, start removing a window pane one by one. With each pane gone, your image gets clearer and clearer. Until you are transparent.
Now apply that to audio and one has transparency. At least in my old mind...
Tom
Very nice metaphor, Tom!
Well said!Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.
Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.
