@viridian, good point.
’Busy’ is the keyword here. It’s where sub 192 kbps MP3s really reveal their limitations. Surprisingly it’s also, as you say, where many audiophile systems make a hash of things - usually in the timing.
How many times do we hear some reviewer admit they were surprised how some particular hitherto deemed low quality recording finally sounded good on such a modest X/Y system.
Far too much audiophile music played at shows tends to be "simple music with vocals and a few instruments".
As I’m going to a show next month I will take along a few difficult CDs. ’The Joshua Tree’ or ’Led Zep IV’ or maybe some Motorhead should provide a reasonable test. At least for those exhibitors who will allow them to be played. Quite a few won’t.
I suspect they know the limitations of their gear and don’t want them broadcasting.
