fidelity noun
1. The degree to which a copy or reproduction shows the true character of the original.
2. Faithfulness, without adding or taking away.
How faithfully can a recording be reproduced? That's what we're after.
Every stage of the playback system risks obscuring or altering the character of the recording.
Our job is to reduce interference and coloration so the record can speak for itself.
Not more effect, but better coherence. Not more excitement, but more intelligibility. Not enhancement, but fidelity.
Other companies aim to emphasize— enhancing presence, warmth, and detail for their own sake. We prize accuracy, intelligibility, coherence, and the impression of actuality.
A system aiming for emphasis will make every record sound the same. A system aiming for fidelity will reveal every record to be different. Becuase every record is.
Timing
Reflection, vibration, and resonance disrupt timing relationships.
When timing integrity is lost, coherence is lost.
Music is organized time. Playback succeeds to the degree that those relationships are preserved.
From the wall socket to your ears, everything is energy being stored and released.
At every point, timing relationships can be altered, obscured, or manipulated. Our job is to restore them.
We can't achieve perfection, but with the right approach, we can achieve something natural, faithful, and accurate.
LRC is a hi-fi workshop and auditioning room in Port Townsend, Washington.
