So, a reviewer just said something I need to talk about.
I will not mention the reviewer, nor the specific equipment being reviewed, but this statement was made, talking about sax and strings: "the strings had real body, and it sounded like real strings being played". The tonality of the instruments was what he/she was talking about. I get this. The tone, the spatiality of the instruments, the stage that was presented. All well and good. What about the engagement between the listener and the musician. I have stated so many times here, ad nauseam, that the most important aspect of music listening, for me (and not enough with other listeners) is the "playing of the instruments". The artistry of the musician behind those strings. I just don’t get it. When I listen to Jeff Beck (RIP), using him as an example, what I am attracted to, FIRST & FOREMOST, is his PLAYING. Reviewers talk about "sound". Most people here talk about "sound". I spend more time now on other sites, that speak about the music playing and, the compositions. For whatever reasons, I seem to be realizing, that A’gon members, as so many reviewers, talk about sound. They very rarely mention MY most important aspect of listening. The musicianship and the compositions. Another rant from me. What are your thoughts on this? How do you listen? What do you listen for/to? What does your system convey to you? I know I am out of line again, but........My best to everyone. Always, MrD.
I'd go along with that . . . and I think that maybe most people would. But if the recording does not capture all of that and the system doesn't play that back.from the recording, all of that is lost. |
@wolf_garcia "It would be ridiculous to judge any music for sound instead of musicianship". "Do people actually do that?" EXACTLY my point ! Yes wolf, there are many. Too many in fact, which I find sad. However, if they are enjoying their systems, who am I to suggest to them what to listen for. I know what to listen for to satisfy my enjoyment, as everyone does in their own way. ymmv. My best, MrD. |
Agree that “engagement” is important, but that’s “personal” engagement. Whether other people’s engagement is important in evaluating gear seems like a bad idea as engagement is highly based on subjective preferences. Even one’s mood can change engagement. A 300b lover might be engaged, while another might not but instead seeking neutrality and fast dynamics. |
I think reviewers often zero in on individual instruments instead of the entire piece? When an artist(s) puts together I good track the finished product far exceeds the sum of its parts. I have on occasion listened for certain instruments or passages but I'm quite sure that is not how the arrangement was meant to be heard, but each to his own liking. |
