The character of analog and digital

 I listen to classical 95% of the time.  I think it’s safe to say the majority of Agoners don’t.  I put on a vintage James Taylor LP (One Man Dog) and compared it to a streamed hi res file of the same track from Qobuz. The record easily sounded better than the file. I know this is only a one title sample but I find  in classical, the reverse is more often true.  Maybe my observations will differ due the fact that I listen mostly to classical and the majority don’t.

@rvpiano It is very pointless to 'discuss' own preferncies (not directed to you) if one is not familiar with process. Seems nobody here reads the words of people who are actually responsable for the actual sound of some recording or format, like Steve Hofman in post that I ve linked before, above, or again, here, from another 'master' Kevin Grey.Here are some quotes from him as well:

… I never limit jazz or classical stuff. I’m so turned off by today’s compression just to make everything sound the same volume on itunes....

… Well there is a difference cutting for the audiophile market and the mass market. I have to take precautions on non audiophile stuff to make sure it will track on lesser systems. I use a limiter/compressor very very occasionally. Every so often vocal peaks get out of hand in rock and pop stuff and it id preferable to do a couple db of limiting instead of turning the whole song down...

from sterophile

 

Mastering while important is not the whole process….

OP… “What I’m trying to say is that if you’re into the music first you’re more likely to make a good judgement as to whether the SQ is enhancing the musical experience.”

When we go to choose audio equipment we go into analytical mode where we direct our minds eye (ear in this case)… to listen for differences flitting from sound to sound. Spend too much time picking out equipment like this only and this becomes how we appreciate a system… instead of being drawn into the music and making your decision from the perspective of the music..

Typically we are drawn to music by the subconscious, that is the need being satisfied by listening to music.

I always recommend you do a few minutes of analytical listening, but quickly switch to listening to the music and not the equipment… this will allow your subconscious latch on to the equipment which gives you the greater emotional connection… moves you. This allows one to do what I think you are referring. Listen to the music and let that be the guide… or you end up with an analytical sounding system. Where you can hear a musician move his foot… but miss the musicality and emotional connection.

 

@tomic601  +1

 

Mastering while important is not the whole process….