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Why do Classical CDs sound less Alive/Real/Present ?

Of course GIGO always applies but some of my CDs are on decent labels.
When I listen to symphony recordings as an example, the sound loses its presence
and sounds a bit like I am using a much lesser grade of equipment.

My system has all components in excellent shape as well as a good amount
of acoustic treatments. The room is not large at 16 x 14 x 8 + adjacent open kitchen
behind seating of 10 x 13,  so I am wondering if what I hear is just the nature of the
beast-ie. a lot of instruments going on at one time?

I seem to recall this has always been the case in other settings as well.

What say ye? 

gadios
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ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,052 posts
 
This thread is a great and honest slice of the true state of what so many people’s systems actually sound like.

And this is Exactly what I mean when I keep going on and on that most systems are choked with noise and we don’t even recognize it.

Once again, please send me all your bad CD’s - you know...the ones with the shrill violins, the harsh highs, that were recorded DDD, that won’t play well with anything other than tubes, that were made with bad mic's, or were made in a certain decade - having tackled the noise beast, I'm loving them all.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Whether the recording is attention-deficit or dire-digital is beside the point.

1. Listen to any recording of solo classical piano
2. Listen to any recording of a string quartet.
3. Listen to any recording of a Mahler symphony.

Which of these sounds most/least like a somewhat convincing simulacrum of the real thing?

As the shampoo instructions say, repeat and enjoy.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,598 posts
 
Paul McGowan talks about close mic sound in this video:

https://www.psaudio.com/askpaul/why-do-reproductions-sound-better-than-live/
pengun
79 posts
 
Audiophile music is something I kind of hate. Its everywhere and used to demo very expensive stuff, especially on youtube and that kind of media, with 'influencers' busy influencing. Its invariably sweet, acoustic and simple. Sounds nice in the demo booths and does not stress the equipment.
 My systems must play Zappa well. I need to hear all the instruments and that needs something that can do that. My tube monoblocks driving Kef LS 50s do that just fine. They play all kinds of music well but detail is what I need, and get from this. I may need a subwoofer, but its not driving me crazy ... yet. ;)
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