“Speed”

After all these years I’m not completely sure what creates this impression of speed in hifi reproduction. I still can’t stand plodding, sedate, pedestrian kit. It robs the music of its essence. On the other hand, you can go too far in some ways.

Speed-freak systems can be uncouth and also tend to limit your musical choices because they don’t really get note decay and timbre right. What I mean by that is that you can end up with a system that only gives a caricature of the music. All well and good if you enjoy it, but such characterful presentation won’t work with all music.

I think age has been a factor to. These days I don’t seek the same adrenaline rush I used to and it’s led me to appreciate the finer, more subtle parts of the music. At half my current age, I would likely still be seeking the same thrill-rides I used to. The thing is, I’m much happier today with more balanced tastes and I listen more often and longer. Maybe this is one thing about ageing that’s actually positive!