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.
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. |
The job of a reviewer is to review how a particular piece of kit reproduces instruments using their reference recordings. Some reviewers will focus simply on that aspect of music reproduction looking for accuracy and resolution. Others will mention how a familiar recording moved them emotionally. In both cases reading and understanding reviews is a skill. You need to be able to read between the lines. Personal preference will influence the conclusion of a review. That’s what we need to understand. |
+1 @audphile1 - reviewer don’t choose average gear to review, they choose good-great performing gear. I paid special attention when a familiar reviewer was unusually surprised at the very positive component performance, commenting why didn’t they review this brand before. After additional research, I purchased it. |
