ATC actually put a pair of their active 100 speakers on stage in place of the actual orchestra. Rumor had it that it was very close to the real thing. ATC's can play 115dB continuous and active speakers have good uncompressed dynamic range.
I agree with Warrenh that synthesized music is close but live 3 instrument trio, for example, on a stereo is not even close to live unamplified music. There is just too much haze added in each step of the microphone, recording, mixdown etc.
But direct to disc, especially at 24 bit 192 res. is supposed to be a step above what we normally get on redbook or SACD.
I agree with Warrenh that synthesized music is close but live 3 instrument trio, for example, on a stereo is not even close to live unamplified music. There is just too much haze added in each step of the microphone, recording, mixdown etc.
But direct to disc, especially at 24 bit 192 res. is supposed to be a step above what we normally get on redbook or SACD.