How does sound influence your appreciation?


Since I’ve gotten my system to a very good place, I find myself liking the performance of almost everything I hear. Now in classical music, there are sometimes dozens of performances of the same piece, each performance having its own unique take. I now seem to like every interpretation I hear regardless of differences, due to the great sound. I’m losing my discernment because the sound is so much a part of the equation. This is more true of orchestral music than other types
How about you?

128x128rvpiano

I have found that as my gear improved, the SQ of well recorded/mixed/mastered source material improved and I found myself enjoying genres of music that had previously left me cold.  Jazz and classical, to be specific.  However, I also found that (for me) poorly recorded/mixed/mastered source material of any genre sound worse and I don't like it as well as I did when my system was less resolving.  A double edged sword I guess.  

I like the good recordings. I really enjoy listening those. Poor recordings not so much. I tend to want to listen to the capabilities of my system.

@rvpiano

Perhaps my system isn’t yet good enough to afford such experiences but on the other hand, listening to familiar music that I don’t particularly care for on systems far better than mine has not changed my responses. I don’t enjoy such music any better when it’s presented in better SQ. What engages me in music are melodies, chord changes, rhythms, timbres, and all the expressive means available to skilled improvisers within the genres I enjoy. Sonics are not going to change any of the above. Better SQ may enhance my listening pleasure of what I already enjoy but so far, I haven’t found it enables me to enjoy music I haven’t previously enjoyed.This doesn’t mean I discount SQ. I try to seek out the best possible sounding cds and upgrade gear when I can. I simply don’t experience the transformative capacity you've  described.

 

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