Paul Winn wrote:
This is what im finding with B&O. Great for warm sounding Radio 2 and Jazz/classical. But, I find it not suitable for playing my dance music tastes. My Century sounds totally lifeless with dance and RnB music which of course is my taste. Since B&O seem to be aimed at the older guys, i'm thinking that is deliberate. Great review Abz but hasn't really inspired me to buy one for listening to my music on. Although, I love it as part of an interior design piece!
Hi Paul,
Your comment is well received. I appreciate and respect your view. A system for dance reflects a philosophy that is not ddetermined by age, or B&O, lol. 500+ hp engines go into Dodge Charger RT, Mercedes Benz sedans, and AWD Range Rovers; yet, the intentions and philosophies of utilising such power may vary by product, or may get combined into a single product (street racing, ultimate quietness, luxurious handling, off-road traction, extreme stability!!) Be it a pickup truck or a luxury sedan, all I ask from the vehicle is an engaging ride that fits my taste, regardless of how expensive or reasonably-priced it may be.
B&O, Mark Levinson, Primare, Musical Fidelity, Martin Logan, Apogee, Van den Hul, Audio Quest, Lynn, Duntech, Quad, Onkyo, Yamaha, B&W, Bose, etc. have got audio philosophies behind each of their products. You and I make choices that fit our tastes, beliefs and philosophies. IMHO the philosophy of dance music at home is replicate live performances / party time. Audio systems used for such performances are manufactured to capture the music and subdue the surrounding action. Moreover, the mixing engineers, do accentuate certain instruments / voices to make up for the open air or large busy hall environment. I believe the system for such music must reflect that environment to engage the listener and make them feel “there and then”.
Casually, I read audio reviews that claim a system as an all-rounder, meaning it works with Dance, Jazz, Rock, R&B. Classical, Vocal, etc. etc. IMHO, it is extremely hard to design and implement. Instruments and human voices, not only vary by frequency, but also in audio wave shapes and modulations, and how harmonically theose complex sound waves interact while being reproduced within the system and in the air (between the speaker and the human ear) where rooms and furniture add, subtract, eflect, or refract. In my entire life, I have never heard a system / speaker / transducer that sounded truthful to a live piano playing in front of me, or at least next room. However, I have listened to so many systems that were truthful enough to ENGAGE the listener and pull them into the music. Happy seasons, and happy listening to all… 🙂
Cheers