Accurate vs Musical

Mrtennis:

some hobbyists will attempt to "adjust" their stereo systems to sound more like instruments, while others will try to minimize inaccuracy. both are problematical efforts, because a reference is lacking. the sound of a recording is unknown

As stated, the premise is correct. However, it presupposes that the objective is the (live) performance.
I don't think that this is a viable -- or correct -- pursuit for sound reproduction.
*For live music we go to a concert.
*To enjoy music, we can also listen to transistor radio, our cell phone, etc.
*A sound reproduction system offers enjoyment through two parametres:
--the actual music
--the system playing the medium on which the music is recorded.

Both variables are at play.

"Accurate", as you present it would indicate "closest to the medium (cd, LP, etc)" AND as you note, we have no real reference to the actual event even through the medium at hand.

So, I would suggest that hobbyists turn to adjusting their systems to "sound closer/more/better/etc" to the instruments.

I listen more to orchestral music and that is what I've (now) turned to.

I used to think that an "excellent" system plays all kinds of music -- i.e. offers the same level of enjoyment playing all kinds of music.
I'm not so sure any more. My system plays classical. I can also adjust it to offer enjoyment playing blues - but it needs an "adjustment.
Cheers

BUMP I expected this thread to live on. I think every audiophile should own both! Speakers are getting very close and it seems the big decider is the listening room and mating it with the right speakers. Imaging is really important to me, any speaker will reproduce the sound of rain or water running down a stream but it's the speaker that images well that gives it shape, pulls you in. Accurate speakers that can't create an image are less involving than a pair of average speakers that can. If you find your speakers tend to favor one type of music to another they may be considered inaccurate though they're musical and involving in the right format. Personally, I'm looking for the holy grail. A speaker thats musical, involving, images well, can go loud and is accurate enough to play ALL types of music. 

"musical" is probably the most overused yet useless descriptor in the audiophile world. It tends to be a stand in for simply "I liked it."

Which is why the phrase I think I dislike most is the ubiquitous "sounds like music" when anyone is reviewing a system. If ever there was a pretentious phrase empty of any real useful content, that’s it.

What do these words mean....   The same piece played by the same orchestra sounds different in different spaces.   There is no "right"

hobbyjaybo -

You mention Hales in your list of well designed speakers. I'd second your endorsement, as I have owned a pair of C-5's for 18 years. I use them for both home theatre and standalone music appreciation sessions. I have been curious as to where I can go from Hales. I prefer a transparent loudspeaker with well balanced dynamics (aka, I like quality bass). I believe I'm looking for what could best be described as a holographic soundstage. I want to feel immersed in the presentation and not confined to a minuscule sweet spot. Do you have any suggestions on where I can go from Hales?

Sorry in advance for hijacking the thread, but perhaps this tangent will benefit the original poster.