My audiophile take on the symphony last night.

Bizango1, I hate to burst your bubble, but Frogman couldn't have said it better. Hi-Fidelity means being faithful to the original performance.

Chayro, I can identify with that statement

I live in Seattle and the acoustics at Benaroya Hall are excellent. With that said, I still have my preference regarding seating position. Even though the sound is pretty clear in all locations, if I'm too far back the orchestra sounds small and the soloist diminished. I prefer to be about 1/3 the way back in the hall. Besides locational preferences, the other issues you mention (e.g. rolled off highs) may be associated with hall acoustics. One thing I enjoy doing from time to time is sitting close up front. If you want soundstage, you'll get it there! A massive 180 degree side-to-side positioning of sound - and you can close your eyes and let your brain try to locate what you are hearing. Front to back soundstage may be lost somewhat, but it's alot of fun!

Herman, I think your confusing imaging with soundstage.

.

I don't think you can separate the two. If you hear the instruments spread out around the stage in the correct places then the imaging is good and you have a big soundstage. If the soundstage is collapsed you have poor imaging.

Isn't that correct?

.