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In listening to your system(s)...what is most crucial to your enjoyment?

In growing up around live musicians and instruments, the authenticity of sound, timbre ( Timbre is French in origin, which is apparent in its pronunciation: it is often pronounced \TAM-ber\ and, with a more French-influenced second syllable, \TAM-bruh\. ... And timbre may also be correctly pronounced just like timber as \TIM-ber\) ...a search finds diversity to the definition of timbre.  For me, it ties to "my truth" when I hear non-amplified instrument or group of instruments, voice or voices presented before me.  Changes to my system either get me closer or further from my truth.  Emphasis "my truth" because I've come to believe, like our other senses, it differs among us, leaving "experts" to theirs, some of which seem to "fit" mine.  It's fun when that happens.  Robert E Greene of TAS and Art Dudley of Phile seem to have advised me towards my truth over the years (with bits of disagreement here and there) but, they have steered me well, thanks.  What do you find crucial?
pinthrift
effischer
565 posts
 
@bdp24 +1! Your observations on snap, silence and veiling are absolutely spot on. I’ve spent many years building a system that was as transparent as I could make it using my Sheffields as the standard reference measure. When those Harry James trumpet notes rocket through your brain, you know you’re on the right track. The quality of the source material is an essential part of happy listening!
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,052 posts
 
@whart +1

When it's right and real sounding, it's either all too hard or it's all too easy to list all the individual things that matter. When you know you're there, it's really a total result overall.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,898 posts
 
pinthrift

Dynamics (macro/micro), Texture and Timbre,  are important to my ears.
Specifically, a Jazz drummer 's use of brushes on the skins.

Happy Listening!
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,318 posts
 
The quality of the recorded music...composition, performance, sound quality.  Is it interesting?  Is it emotionally engaging?  Is it well executed? Wish I could do a better job defining the characteristics that draw me back repeatedly to certain music.  Regarding sound quality of the recording: clarity/lack of noise/distortion, stage depth and width, imaging and image density, frequency range and dynamics (and that order should not be taken to indicate any sort of prioritization).  The music itself (composition, performance and sound quality) is the 800 pound gorilla in the room that doesn't get enough discussion.  A good recording can make a mediocre system sound great.  A poor recording can make a great system sound mediocre.   
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Imaging,bass detail,soundstage.impact ,highs,midrange and great bass are all important to me.My system does it all exemplary.
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