Trade offs?

I used to find that many of my CDs were poorly recorded. Then through many system iterations, support changes and tube changes, I have arrived at a system that makes music no matter what.

I can still easily tell which CDs are well recorded and which aren't - that hasn't changed - but my level of enjoyment has risen to a level where the recording quality doesn't matter as much as the music: the subtle details of playing style, the communication between musicians, dynamic shading etc. I no longer hesitate to play a CD that isn't a great recording. I now simply listen to the music.

How I got to this point is, unfortunately, too complicated to put into mere proclamations. It is a collective difference of many interrelated parts and not one or two magical modifications.

After having owned tons of equipment and played with setup execution for zillions of hours, it is my belief that a highly accurate system does not necessarily mean poor recordings have to sound poor. Quite the contrary actually - a system that is setup just right will get the essence and the emotion of the music to the point of transcending recording flaws. I am very happy to have finally reached that point, and I hope you will too someday. All you need is luck, persistence and patience.

Arthur

My experience has been increases in system resolution comes in two phases. The first phase often involves increased resolution that may sound more analytical and unforgiving. The second phase is all about refinement of that increased resolution, this is the more difficult to achieve.

I'm at the point where I don't think there is any limit to maximizing both resolution and musicality. Evolution of one's system can likely go on indefinitely.

Get a quality turntable, stylus and phono stage. You won't like the CD's after listening to it.

Thank you Tvad! Psacanli, there is absolutely no reason to give up on digital sound, you just need to find the proper synergy.