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Speakers that are very accurate sounding but don't produce an emotional connection.

I have listened to a few speakers over the years that impressed me with their accuracy and presentation of the music, but just did not create an emotional response or connection. I have often wondered what that quality is in some speakers that produce an emotional connection with the listener. This quality has been identified by audiophiles, as "magical", "engaging"  "just right"  "euphonic"  "natural"  "true to life". " "satisfying"  "musical"....  I am sure there are at least 50  other  adjectives that could describe this "quality" of  sound . 

Considering the various aspects  of achieving  good and accurate sound by component synergy, is there a way to explain this so-called magical element that often eludes so many of us??.  I don't think such a feeling is temporal, conditioned by personal moods, or the phases of the moon or sun.  

Like to hear from members who have given some thought to the same issue.    Thanks,  Jim   

BTW, I know the thread is a bit out there, but  I don't think the topic is pointlessly pursuing the genie in the bottle. 


sunnyjim
ejr1953
917 posts
 
2015 was a year for major audio system upgrades for me, initiated by my search for a new pair of loudspeakers.

In my search, at one of the audio salons I visited, the salesman asked me if I prefer "analytic" or "musical" speakers.  I'd never heard the choices expressed that way, thought about it for a bit, "musical" was my choice.

In the process I auditioned some of the finest names in loudspeakers, but those which were characterized as "analytic" just didn't seem to float my boat.  I found that most of them cause listener fatigue to set in quite quickly (even when driven by smooth sounding tube equipment).

As a result, I ended up with a new pair of Focal's that offered me exceptional detail, dynamics and sound stage, but didn't tire me out.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thank you for the reply. You make many good points.  The quality of the source material is key to good sound.  Derek and the Dominoes, classic . Layla, is maybe the best produced rock album of the 70's, or maybe of all time. However, It is often marred by average sound. and  a few spots of bad tape splicing. It was remastered.as a Mobile Fidelity gold plated  "Master Recording"  produced by Tom Dowd.   This CD sounded somewhat better, with less noise and bit more clarity than the original LP, but not that much better, than either the RED book CD, and the MFSL version  
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,798 posts
 
Jim-

which speakers are you considering for purchase?
Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
veroman's avatar
veroman
299 posts
 
I would wager much of it is purely how you were feeling in the moment. Psychological shifts can have as much to do with perception as can electronics. Also it is subjective. I could find 4 agoners and get 4 diferent reactions if the test was conducted using suggestions and weed. Not to take away anything others have said. as an example do you remember the first time you heard an even marginally good stereo when you were young and it was playing a song you loved? you were moved a lot by that...
redfuneral
36 posts
 
Truth be told my most memorable experiances are with cheap mobile components and headphones. Don't underestimate environmental factors. Keeping warm under a blanket, candle flickering, stars visable because the whole town is blacked out...

There was also this one time I was falling asleep in my chair and the album playing had sampling of a wolf howling. It sounded like it was in the room, I bolted upright and made for the lights. Fear is an emotion too.
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