Where do we go now?

[Motzart]

What else can be improved upon to make you listening pleasure more realisitc electronically?

Seriously with todays electronics I think we are at the point of "where do we go now"?
The surround fields achived with electronics and DSP we now have I don't see where there can be anymore improvments to make music or sound more natural.
There is just some amazing technology out there if you have the bux and the right mix of equipment.

[Gaara]

Do you mean we as in the sound enthusiast or we as in the industry?

I am sure some people didn't think we could have an improvement over DD and DTS, now we have DD+ and DTS-HD. The industry will always find ways to improve the experience, compress more without losing sound quality, and overall make the listening experience more efficient. There still is plenty of room to improve.

As for the sound enthusiast, well you keep on moving up the food chain until you reach your zen...or when your wallet runs out. This could mean nicer speakers, going separates, high end cdps, etc. When the electronics can't get better, then you still have the room itself to contend with, and if you are tweaky there is a slew of things you can do to "improve" the experience.

I don't see the industry or ourselves throwing in the towel and saying "good enough" anytime soon.

[steveinaz]

Speakers have always been the weak link in hi-fi audio. Until someone can build a true full range, linear/flat, reasonably priced speaker, there is still that hurdle. I also feel digital sources (primarily software) have a way to go yet...

[Keiko]

I'm waiting for the age of Holodecks and Tri-corders. :rolleyes:

Agreed, always room for improvement, different flavors, etc. The possibilities are endless in this gig.

[Face]

Are you talking about music or HT?

If you're talking about adding DSP's and Sound Fields to music, I'd rather go backwards.

[Motzart]

I guess what I was saying with all the diff DSP there is music sounds so realisic now.
Speakers I can see more improvments but electronics are pretty damn good now!

So speaking electronically what could possibly be next?

I'm with you on the holodeck stuff......a transporter would be great too!
Actually I don't think we are too far away from holo technology.

[Keiko]

Keep in mind Motzart that this thing called audio is completely subjective to the listener.

[inspiredsports]

. . . I don't think we are too far away from holo technology.

I know it's not completely audio related, but this cool technology is certainly moving forward. I just read a recent article in Smart Money about Cisco having a holodeck conference room in each regional HQ. For example, at a meeting in Cleveland a "shimmering" 3D likeness of an executive in LA appears to be in the room. In the music world, I guess a holodeck rendition of a live concert would be interesting.

[Keiko]

I guess a holodeck rendition of a live concert would be interesting.
I'd use Holodeck Technology to boink a green chick. :D :p

[shack]

If you're talking about adding DSP's and Sound Fields to music, I'd rather go backwards.

Same here...I have yet to find a DSP on my AVR that sounds anything but gimmicky. A total waste of circuits IMO.

It is interesting that the more digital music progresses...the more effort audio enthusiasts strive to get it to sound more like analog (ie: less sterile and more realistic). For years engineers have been striving to be able to reproduce the sound found on master analog tapes to a digital medium. I’m not sure they have reached that goal yet.

[Motzart]

10 years old but makes for interesting reading!

http://stereophile.com/asweseeit/199awsi/

[mmadden28]

10 years old but makes for interesting reading!

http://stereophile.com/asweseeit/199awsi/

Good read. Thanks for the link.

[inspiredsports]

I'd use Holodeck Technology to boink a green chick. :D :p

Interesting :rolleyes: