Relearning

A great system lets you hear the same recordings differently.

I’ve been listening to the same core library of music for decades. Albums and CDs I know backwards and forwards. But every time we improve our gear—whether it’s a better DAC, a new speaker, or better power—I’m surprised all over again. Suddenly, a buried guitar line emerges. A breath before a vocal phrase adds emotion. The space between notes becomes part of the story.

The medium hasn't changed.

That’s what I love about high-end audio. It’s not just about hearing new music—it’s about re-experiencing the music you thought you knew. It’s not subtle, either. A well-tuned system pulls back the curtain. You stop hearing “a recording” and start hearing a performance.

Of course, the better your system gets, the more it exposes flaws in the recordings too. But that’s part of the journey. It teaches you what to listen for—and deepens your appreciation when it all comes together.

Some of my favorite listening sessions are with albums I’ve heard a hundred times. Because on the right system, the hundred-and-first listen can feel like the first.