Without a shadow of a doubt, the most desirable aspect of high end audio is "The Holographic sound stage", and we see here, so many people don't want it. "Talk about the fox and the grapes"; this is the best example I have ever witnessed.
Rvpiano, why would you think I was speaking to you? I didn't address you specifically.
You can not achieve anything from a record if it's not there; if you do, there is something wrong with your record player.
Realism is not oversold, but it is very hard to achieve; however, here we have more green grapes.
Erik-squires; "1. Smooth FR. One that does not call attention to itself, but feels effortless in dynamic range and endless to the edges in the bass and the treble.
2. Transparency. To me, what I mean is the aural equivalent of standing on a mountain top, and realizing you can see for miles farther than you ever could."
Do you realize that it is impossible not to have these things, and at the same time to have "holography".
Everything everybody mentioned that is more important to them than "Holography" is included in holography; that is, unless you want exaggerated bass, or exaggerated dynamic range, that's not included in holography; only what is on the CD or tape, or record is included in holography.
Maybe this link will help those who have never experienced holography, to understand it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StereoscopeA "stereo image" is recorded in audio, exactly the same as this visual image; when it's done right, a visual image of the audio will be displayed; if and only "if" you have a room that will precisely reflect audio in a manner that can recreate the recorded image. If, and only if, your audio equipment can recreate every detail that is on the recorded medium, like a Zeiss lens can recreate the image of a picture that is taken.
Since the "holographic image" includes every minute detail that is on the recorded medium, nothing in high end audio is more desirable.