No point in trying to discuss her system unless we know what brand of interconnects, speaker cables, and AC cords she uses.

Sorry about that, for a minute there I thought I was in another thread.

I agree with you. Speakers do seem to have the greatest percentage impact on the sound of most systems. Not that other components can't make a big difference, just that speakers have a relatively greater proportional impact.

I'm glad your sister is happy! She doesn't have our disease.

Quote:
Set up my sister's stereo this wknd after a move. Listened for a while, and it sounded great. She has older stuff, but the Shahinian speakers still sound wonderful. Don't know the model - they're not Diapason or the pyramidal top models, and there's no label. Her yamaha cd and Nakamichi receiver are fine, but not really high end. Made me think that indeed the speakers are much more critical to sound quality. I think that IF her cd and amp were high-end, but but the speakers were more modest, that the sound would have suffered. Agree or not? Discuss...

Of course. The most critical factors for sound quality are the recordings, the room acoustics and speaker placement, and the speakers. Her Yamaha CDP and Nakamichi receiver are probably just fine.

I agree that the speakers are the most important component, but placement of said speakers is probably more important than the actual speakers, assuming reasonable appropriateness for the room size. Sources and software come next and finally cables, tweaks, etc., IMHO.

Dave

I have heard demos that are equally convincing in both directions - high quality speakers with decent amplification and inexpensive sound source (iPod), and great electronics leading up to in expensive speakers. Both have sounded great.

I still go with the make sure the speakers are the best you can justify theory however. This is beacuse there is much greater variability among speakers than there is any other component. Thus, your money can make the biggest difference put into speakers.

Shahinian speakers are fascinating beasts.

I have some fairly old Nakamichi (tape deck) and Yamaha (CDP, receiver) that still sound good. She is smart to simply sit back and enjoy them.

Quote:
This is because there is much greater variability among speakers than there is any other component. Thus, your money can make the biggest difference put into speakers.

Well said.

bill: on your next visit, you may find the speakers in the closet. keep us informed, inquiring minds want to know.

tom