We're happiest when we aren't aware of the effort required to get somewhere.
Years ago, I was driving an old VW bus with its standard "adequate" engine. If I wanted to pass someone on the highway, I'd have to plan for the move in advance: wait for no approaching traffic behind me, hope for a downhill boost, and a tailwind wouldn't hurt. Compare that to my electric car of today, where I have to be careful not to put too much pressure on the accelerator. If it had wings, it might fly.
My old car was an ordeal, my new one is effortless.
That effortlessness translates well to our HiFi systems. In fact, I propose we add that measure of performance to the list of standard requirements.
Does it sound effortless?
There are numerous technical factors involved in its achievement: oversized watts in amplifiers, bandwidth far beyond our ability to hear extended in both directions, jitter levels below what we consider acceptable, open loop performance that exceeds most closed loop systems, and the list could go on ad nauseam.
What do all of these requirements have in common? Abundance. Overachievement. Lavishness. Overkill.
Choose whatever word floats your boat. The key to effortlessness is to have more than needed to meet the minimum requirement.
Technically, we may only "need" 100 watts to drive our loudspeakers to full level, but getting close to the edge reminds us of the effort it takes to get there.
And that spoils the musical experience.
Go big. Go deep. Enjoy the ride.
