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Dynamic compression or transient attack?

Dynamic compression is when the difference between what's quiet and what is loud is minimized. Magneplanar speakers are famous for dynamic compression, in that they'll get louder and louder a point then just collapse and the more power you shove into them the more they compress and distort. With the right power however, things have to be insanely loud before this will happen.

The vast majority of CDs released today have little to no dynamic range whatsoever, so you can't do anything about that. If it's not your source material, read on...

Transient attack is the sort of hit-you-in-the-gut ability of your system to go from standing still to running full blast back to standing still instantaneously.

I firmly believe that complexity in electtronic design is enemy number one when it comes to this stuff. I had a Bryston 4B SST before acquiring my Pass Labs X250.5. Into the ~4ohm load presented by my Magnepalanar MG-IIIa speakers, they both delivered 500 watts per channel. However, the Pass has FAR better control over the drivers - that amazing ability for stuff to just come out from the deep deep black - the contrast is just spectacular.

I believe this is because the Pass amp is a lot more simple in design. The signal path is a lot shorter, and it goes through far fewer gain stages. The more you put a signal through, the more you muddy it up.

This doesn't just apply to power amps, and it certainly starts at the source.

Looking at your system, you've got something which probably sounds very "English" - superb tonality, spectacular warmth and transparency, but a little too polite! In contrast, a lot of "American" gear can do the dynamics and power stuff all day, but be cold and uninteresting to listen to.

The room is also very important - a lot of reverb can blur sharp transient hits.

I also believe that to really push out the dynamics and presence of big instruments - piano, large percussion instruments, etc, you have got to have the ability to move a lot of air. Physically large speakers have a much better chance at this. Some (Magneplanars!) blow it out of proportion, however. Dunlavy spekers were renowned for their ability accurately portray the acoustic presence of large instruments.

Anyway, for me, the power amp was the biggest change. The source was big too, however.

Good luck!

--jeff


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  • Dynamic compression or transient attack? - the_stranger 13:56:04 05/10/06 (0)


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