How to Verbalize the S.E.X. Sound?

[rjbond3rd]

Greetings.

I was testing a new speaker design, and it was a bit flat and lifeless.  So I swapped out several amps, and was pleased that the speaker at least reflects exactly what amp is being used.  As it happens, the S.E.X. came out the best sounding by a mile, but I'm at a loss to describe it.

The sound was strangely pure, immediate, musical, lively, kind of "3D" and the speakers did disappear nicely, but it wasn't simply an imaging trick.  It was "organic" and not "mechanical", instantly "addicting" but I hate to use those overused audiophile terms because they are applied to everything.

So I don't know how to properly describe this "difference" except negatively, by noting how the other amps are worse.  The worst of the amps (which is not a bad amp per se - not at all) was comparatively lifeless, boring, harsh in the midrange, and grating on the ears -- but only in -comparison- to the S.E.X. which just outperforms it in sound quality.

So how do I describe this sound quality?  I don't want to say "warm and tube-y" or "lush" or "romantic" or "colored," because the truth is it -doesn't- sound colored to me.  I'd say "transparent" and "barely there," except those terms don't mean anything.  It's exciting and engaging to hear, and not by some small audiophile margin.

So that's my dilemma.  I'm looking for a vocabulary to describe this sound other than "ear pleasing" and "musical."  I wonder if there are some generally accepted terms out there that I can learn.  Thank you in advance.

[Grainger49]

I kind of like "transparent and barely there."

[Clark B.]

Robert,

To me, its like the difference between a work of art and a work of nature.

To describe the SEX sound is like to describe the deliciousness of truly pure water.  

Because our bodies are mostly water, it is simply impossible to know the difference until we've been immersed in it.  Its also impossible to remember completely, and very hard for us to value (individually or as a society).

But to those who "rebel" in a sense from being seduced by an artistic lense and instead value purity for its own sake, good things come, my friend!

Attached are photos I took of water from pupu springs last year on our honeymoon in New Zealand.  It was one of the most shaping experiences of my life, to taste and watch the liquid crystal.  (It is the most optically pure water in the world.)  

In the guidebook, however it didn't say that it would be that interesting.  People we ran into said it was a cool roadside stop for 30 minutes.  But we spent 4 hours mesmerised until it got dark.  But then again, I'd been a SEX amp lover for many years prior.  I'm getting into some synethesia here, only hoping that some vague point comes across from the metaphor.  

I've struggled to find the same clarity in an amp with higher power, and it is all tradeoffs.  Even with alot of the big bottle SET's.  Its been the same struggle I've had to find larger fullrangers that have the same clarity as the small fullrangers I've grown an affinity for.  All tradeoffs, unless you are spending TONS of money.  But I'll take clarity over power any day in a small listening space.  And so, why I am such a huge fan of the SEX amp.  

So part of me says, "If honesty can't get me really high volumes, then I guess I should just feel lucky to have this much honesty at all."  

Sortof like, "Even though the purest, coolest looking water in the world is on the other side of the globe, at least I am happy its somewhere in the world".  

All the best to you,

Clark

[2wo]

I have been on several motorcycle trips in New Zealand. It is one of my Favorited places in the world. Just motoring around you get to meet more cool folks and do more really cool stuff, then anywhere...John     

[rjbond3rd]

Hi friends,

Thank you for the replies.  Gorgeous photos, Clark, and I think you're quite right that it's a man-made vs. nature distinction.  And that we have to be grateful to have this sound, regardless of SPL's.  Grainger49, I think you're right that "barely there" may turn out to be the highest praise.

I've really struggled this week to find the words.  And meanwhile, I noticed something which nails it, but not verbally.  My amp and speakers are attached to the TV / computer.  And every time a great show comes on, I find myself unable to turn off the music.

So I keep both playing, but I'm really just listening to the music, and ignoring the show.  Hours pass by, and I can't even remember the show, but I'm still listening to the music.

And now it's late, and I've turned the volume down for the sake of the house, but I'm still listening.  And listening.  I've never had an amp like that.

So that's the best I've been able to do.  I can't verbalize it, except to say I can't tear myself away from the music.  And mine is far from a high-end system dollar-wise, but sound-wise, sounds better than any of the six-figure systems I've heard (and I've heard many in the last five years).

Anyway, thanks to all, especially to the dedicated folks who created this superb amp.

[earwaxxer]

Greetings.

I was testing a new speaker design, and it was a bit flat and lifeless.  So I swapped out several amps, and was pleased that the speaker at least reflects exactly what amp is being used.  As it happens, the S.E.X. came out the best sounding by a mile, but I'm at a loss to describe it.

The sound was strangely pure, immediate, musical, lively, kind of "3D" and the speakers did disappear nicely, but it wasn't simply an imaging trick.  It was "organic" and not "mechanical", instantly "addicting" but I hate to use those overused audiophile terms because they are applied to everything.

So I don't know how to properly describe this "difference" except negatively, by noting how the other amps are worse.  The worst of the amps (which is not a bad amp per se - not at all) was comparatively lifeless, boring, harsh in the midrange, and grating on the ears -- but only in -comparison- to the S.E.X. which just outperforms it in sound quality.

So how do I describe this sound quality?  I don't want to say "warm and tube-y" or "lush" or "romantic" or "colored," because the truth is it -doesn't- sound colored to me.  I'd say "transparent" and "barely there," except those terms don't mean anything.  It's exciting and engaging to hear, and not by some small audiophile margin.

So that's my dilemma.  I'm looking for a vocabulary to describe this sound other than "ear pleasing" and "musical."  I wonder if there are some generally accepted terms out there that I can learn.  Thank you in advance.

I know its a tough one to explain how tubes sound (when done right). I think it helps to switch back and forth from SS to tubes, then you can put your finger on it a bit better. For me, the tubes definitely added that 'wholeness and believability' to the sound. It wasnt 'better' sound, at least from a technical standpoint, but it was more engaging. More enjoyable. Probably those higher order harmonics. Who knows, who cares!