Quote Originally Posted by topspeed View Post
Well, I listened at the dealer and he had a two week lead time to dial the system in before I got there, so I would hope that it was optimized as well as it could have been. I went into that audition check-in-hand based on reviews I'd read, but came away supremely disappointed. It wasn't that the bass was overwhelming, it was the veiled presentation, shallow soundstage, and muddled mids. The clarity was so lacking that it completely obscured certain ques that I look for with my reference music. The front end was Anthem, but the dealer had his choice of Levinson, Classe, or Rotel and chose that based on synergy.
The characteristics of "veiled presentation, shallow soundstage, and muddled mids.clarity was so lacking that it completely obscured certain ques" is not usually associated with Goldenear speakers. IF so, they surly wouldn't get the praise from people I trust. And I've heard them my self with Bel Canto, Vincent and a few other amps along the way. Something was off at the dealers....perhaps the room, mismatch in gear or whatever...but thats not how Goldenear normally sounds....especially with the Folded ribbon tweeter. I have a buddy out in California who has Goldenear, Line Magnetic amp and Lampizator level 4 DAC and just loves the clarity. I'm sorry youe experence with Goldenear didnt go so well. The only thing I can say about them is 1) most of the speakers have a built in sub, which I dont like...and 2) I like wood on my speakers and not a sock.


Thanks for the feedback. I couldn't agree more regarding system synergy, which is one of the reasons I'm keen to locate some 802's. I've built the rig over the years to best match the voicing of my current B&W's. This is not to say the I'll buy them just because they are the big brother of what I have now, I've heard enough speakers to recognize both the advantages and limitations of B&W's. However, if the 802's essentially sound like my modest speakers, just more-so, I'd probably be a pretty happy camper without thought of upgrading for another 10-15 years

Just out of curiosity, does anybody find auditioning equipment to be counterproductive to enjoying music sometimes? I find myself focusing so much on critical listening, marking cues, and microdynamics that sometimes I forget to simply enjoy the music. The 'ol "Can't see the forest through the trees" syndrome.
I like the Diamond series of speakers. I have no issue with them.

And I was just thinking to my self this morning, like always. Lots of guys like to stay on the merry go round of audio gear.....always getting something new to find the clearest and best sound they can find....they seem to chase audio boxes and sound for their entire life. Looking for that best sound which can never be had. There is always something better.

That's ok for whoever wants to do that. Its all part of being in this hobby. I got off that merry go round in the late 1980's. To me its a waste of money and time worrying about whats the next big thing. I'm of the mind that I should get the gear thats voiced to my liking....get the best cable and interconnects and speaker wire that enhances the sound I like and leave it alone...if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it. Thats just me.....I wont change until I feel theres something missing. I buy music and enjoy the music. To me it's all about the music and its enjoyment. To me certain music should be very personable. It helps me when i'm down, and can lift me when need be, and can put me in a certain mood.

Music to me becomes life. As "THE" good book can minister to the soul, well...so can music. As your wife can be a soul mate....so can good romantic and passionate music...as your kids can bring you happiness and joy....so can your music. God made us to enjoy music...so if its gospel.....christian music....Jazz, Blues....Contemporary pop, whatever music floats ones boat, let him enjoy it forever.