Does Your System Sound Like the Real Thing?

If you are taliking "hypothetical" live performance where everything is perfect (seating position, no crowd noise, acoustically perfect venue etc) then no stereo not as good as live.

But if you are talking about "real world" live performces with all the imperfections then I usually prefer my stereo to almost any live performance soundwise. Of course part of the attraction is the visuals which is lacking with stereo.

I always wonder where people hear these mythical perfect live performances that they hold up as gold standard that no stereo can match?

No.

Live music,as a time art,includes the thought processess of the performers, the listeners, and the venue. A piece of music is never performed the same way twice.

Only when I'm in another room and the system is loud have I paused and thought to my self how real things sound off in the distance. Of course this Real Thing is only the sound you hear at a live event when you distance yourself (restroom comes to mind) from the live event somewhat.

Near field listening..my answer is NO and NO.

Dave

I agree with Tarsano and Gregm, among others--no and no. It's partially the limitations of the recording process and partially of the playback systems. However, a good recording and system can still convey a musical event and move you as a live performance can.

Would you really want it? Have you ever been in a room where someone was playing drums? Or practicing sax? Maybe you like listening loud but I think many people underestimate exactly how loud it would be to have even a three piece jazz band playing in your living/listening room.