Synergy, how do you define it when it comes to audio gear?

[eiraved]

What makes synergy synergy is not that it can't be measured - it generally can - but that it can't be predicted.

I agree, and I should have been clearer in my explanation. I should have added "it cannot be measured scientifically in a predictable manner".

 

[musichal]

I think the big danger with mods is that you constantly assess how successful it was, and don't get to enjoy the music. Mind you, some people are less into the music and more into the gear and that is exactly what they want.

I get where you're coming from, I think - the whole left brain/right brain approach, as I think of it. However, there are some folks - and I'm not calling you out - but some, who take the less-into-music-more-into-gear argument much too far. The argument can easily be countered with the claim that those who seek for improvement do so because they care so much for the music - iow, it's a case-by-case thing. It's like driving on the Interstate: those who drive slower than me are buttholes, those faster, maniacs. Yet all three of us may be good drivers.

 

[sKiZo]

We talking budget synergy or audiophile grade> <G>

Easiest test of how well things are working together is when you immediately feel that "something" is missing when you turn a component off.

** Another vote for having separate level controls for each component in the system. Amazing the difference a balanced line level start to finish can make, especially as the chain becomes more complex. Feeding the appropriate signal at each step brings it all together.

Oh. Speaking of complex signal chains ... my daily driver. Only took maybe 30 years to get everything optimal.

 

[musichal]

We talking budget synergy or audiophile grade> <G>

Easiest test of how well things are working together is when you immediately feel that "something" is missing when you turn a component off.

** Another vote for having separate level controls for each component in the system. Amazing the difference a balanced line level start to finish can make, especially as the chain becomes more complex. Feeding the appropriate signal at each step brings it all together.

Oh. Speaking of complex signal chains ... my daily driver. Only took maybe 30 years to get everything optimal.

You should try some dbx products.

 

[StimpyWan]

The confluence of the right system in the right room, placed right, with the right source and the right ears listening. Serendipity, doo dah day.

I agree 100%. I think I achieved system Synergy once. And it may have lasted for only one song, in that moment. But, while it lasted, it was perfect. Tonality, timbre and imaging just clicked. The artist was in the room. I have to wonder why I ever sold parts of that system, instead of leaving it as-is? Then, I suppose I was hoping for even better, that I could do better. Now, I know I was just chasing my tail, instead of being happy with what I had!

 

[mjw21a]

To me it's when the mix of components go beyond merely making music though rather makes aural magic, or eargasms if you will. It has physical interaction with your body making your hair stand on end or a chill run down your spine which goes beyond the music's ability to invoke emotions like the feeling you need to laugh or cry, or even involuntary movement like foot tapping.

A system can sound like the performance is in your living room without these characteristics so it's that extra immeasurable something I mentioned above.

 

[E-Stat]

I’ve always just referred to it as system matching and find that to be important when putting together a system.

 

[bluesky]

Sansui "synergy".