Why is it so easy to tell the difference between live and recorded music?

...."Live v. Not...."

Dynamics, yes...but as an 'omni fan'....Ambiance....MHO, obviously...

...as soon as you move....(Generally*....)....*poof*...

( * = ...unless you've been very careful and/or very lucky to have the 'disposable income' to 'attend to the details'....in whatever manner or fashion you felt compelled to....Again, IMHO....)

I totally agree with everything Trelja notes particularly tone/ timbre, it's always been and continues to be so obvious to me. I find it remarkable how good recorded can get considering all the challenges posed. To me what is most important is conveying the emotion in the performance.

My wife and I attended a middle-school grandchild's band concert last night. Dynamics/tone/timbre. Especially dynamics. Amazing really. Reminded me how inadequate my system is in comparison. Reality check. Sigh...

Tom

Tom, have you heard a Direct-To-Disk LP played by a Decca/London cartridge? That's the closest to live I've heard. Very dynamic, and "immediate".

Have not, but have read wonderful things about the D2D LPs, and about that cartridge. Very special...