There are many people, some named and posting here, that do not know what real music sounds like, and this is unfortunate. What is important to me, with a sound system, is to convey " what the musicians are doing ", as a solo performer, and as a member of an ensemble. I truly have heard some esoteric systems ( expensive ), that fall so very short of offering me a " connection " with the " musicianship ", which to me, is 1st and foremost. So many people ( I am glad I am no longer a consultant ), are listening to " sounds " ( again, some listed here ), and not interested in the MUSIC. It is frustrating to me, but for them, since it really has zero effect on MY music listening enjoyment. When I listen to Steppenwolf, CCR, Santana, Miles, Sarah Vaughn, Dick Hyman, Horowitz ( I am naming these, as these are recent listens ), it is the PERFORMANCE I am entranced with. Sometimes the recording is rolled off in the highs; sometimes there is no center image; sometimes the bass is muddy and ill defined. But these are recordings I enjoy ( listen to Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride, just as an example ), and turn it up a bit. How can anyone pay more attention to the sound, and not the group, unless the system does not convey the important things.....the PLAYING. Maybe as a musician during my youth, I acquired the ability to listen " correctly ". I find musicians ( I have known, and still know many ) listen differently than audiophiles, and it is great when they both come together. I consider myself both, but without the musicianship, there is little else, ime. I am sorry for another rant. I speak to ex clients, friends, acquaintances of mine that I tried to help, asking me all sorts of questions, and many of them, and this is hard for me to say, are clueless, and I feel many here are also. I do know some here who listen as I do, and many of them are / were musicians, worked in studios, have experience with live, unamplified music, or just understands and appreciates " the essence of music ". Those who are offended by me....well, there you go....Always, my best.....Enjoy ! MrD.
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I think we all listen to music differently at different times. The goal for most of us is maximizing our musical satisfaction. An artist can paint a picture with one intention and the random viewer may perceive it differently yet gain immense satisfaction. That's the beauty of most art forms; allegory. If your suggesting that audiophiles who are not also musicians can't "understand" the performance is at least a vary myopic view. I can't even hum a tune correctly but have had a love of music since my youth. Has my love been "incorrect"? These days my mood affects how I listen the most. Sometimes I'm analytical in my approach while other times I just absorb the notes with "no mind" (a zen perspective). In the end I have loved this hobby for over 50 years. It brings me joy....plus I do love the gear! |
@skinzy, what I am saying is, musicians listen to specific characteristics within the recorded music, different than the typical audiophile. How I see the typical audiophile and listener today, soundstaging and imaging seems to be the biggest thing ( most important characteristic ), and I do not feel there will be an argument about this with most of the listeners. This is based on what I read, and my discussions with audiophiles. I get it, I understand it, and I appreciate it. Last weekend I received a call from an acquaintance of mine about hearing less center image. He was getting it, but it disappeared. A bad tube maybe. Interesting, how much music is manipulated in the recording and mastering process, to give us these effects. But when I talk about the music, all of that does not matter as much ( again, imo ), because as I said, there are other attributes I find to be more important, in conveying to me, a performance. I am one person, and I have my ways. I mean no harm in giving my opinion, and if I hit a sore spot with you, I apologize. My best, always, MrD. Enjoy ! |
@skinzy I am with you sir. I do not care at all if my system conveys ’what the musician intended’. Instead my only concern is maximizing my own enjoyment of the music.
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