SOUND TRAVELS

How do you know when a system needs no further development?

EK: What genre of music do you listen to mostly and who are some of your favourite artists?

PS: Mainly jazz, acoustic instruments and male and female vocals.

EK: What would be your ‘desert island’ music albums if you could only choose, say three pieces?

PS: It is a hard choice; just too many. It would be Stockfisch records Vol 2 SACD.

EK: In what way does music affect your life, your emotions, and the way you feel?

PS: I’m proud that I have acquired the music in me. I believe music affects everyone emotionally in many different ways. It gives people happiness as well as sadness: I am no different.

EK: Where do you see the high-end audio industry going in the future?

PS: I think the music industry is going to get better. The audiophile market will experience the difference as the technology progresses.

EK: Where would you like the audio industry to go or evolve to?

PS: This is a hard one because I don’t know much about the rest of it. I say I’m only on the tip of the iceberg here.

I believe it will evolve its own form. It’s due to audiophile consumers being somewhat conservative. It’s getting better and better as years go by… just as it has for the past 20 years.

In this Sound Travels episode we visit an enthusiast whose close circle of audio acquaintances has had a profound influence on his hi-fi journey…

Edgar Kramer: Do you have a first memory, a first unforgettable musical experience that left an abiding impression on you?

Peter Smith: Yes I do, it was actually at a friend’s place where, for the first time, I had the chance to experience listening to an audiophile set-up. I always knew there were systems only for serious listening. I had heard some around the traps but I didn’t know what they were… what brands were in the system and so on. This was all ‘way back when I was in my mid-30s.

EK: Did that start you on the hi-fi journey or did something else start you on the audio equipment quest?

PS: I hung around the boys, friends like Ike and his inner circle of audiophiles for a number of years. Then when I had the chance, I started with used gear from stores and individuals.

EK: Where do you think your system is going, or has it arrived?

PS: The system has pretty much arrived for now. I will make only incremental upgrades from here on.

EK: What’s your favourite piece of equipment at the moment, something that you wouldn’t sell?

PS: Acquiring a piece of equipment such as my Audio Research Reference Series preamplifier is quite significant for me. I would certainly think twice before selling it.

EK: What do you see as your next hi-fi purchase or upgrade?

PS: At the moment, I just finished a music streaming project. I would like to go to a better DAC. I heard there are a few good ones out there. I am eyeing things and want to try a couple.

EK: What’s the most memorable pair of speakers (or system) you’ve ever heard?

PS: I think it was Wilson Audio speakers, most of these speakers do not just look great but also sound amazing. Especially when coupled with matching gear.

EK: Is there a component that you regret selling?

PS: No, my first system and a few pairs of speakers lasted me a few years. But when my taste developed they no longer catered to my needs.

EK: You have a nicely fitted-out dedicated hi-fi room which you’ve treated with acoustic panels and bass traps. In your view, what were the improvements gained from the treatments?

PS: A lot, the room now has fewer reflections. Also, now there are no standing waves, which were quite a problem for me at one stage… especially with the electrostatic speakers.

EK: How would you describe the sound you’re getting from your current system?

PS: It is decent, it can be improved, maybe I can try a couple of things… take it to its limits.

EK: Do you use the same music for comparing components as you do for listening pleasure? PS: Yes I do. Whatever is familiar. EK: The room also features a large screen and a projection system with in-wall speakers for the home theatre. How often do you have a ‘movie night’ and what aspects of the cinema system do you enjoy?

PS: It is only there to utilise the room itself. But I hardly watch movies, maybe once in a blue moon. Having a little knowledge in playing music, I brought that idea to the sound side of the home theatre. Trying to tune the music side to a more listenable level; then the movie side follows.