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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
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

If a system is not able to play all the info you will experience less of the soundstage. You can be in this hobby 40-50 years and never playback the entire real space/ real size of classical. It's there in the recording but when a system has signal blockage you're only going to hear what makes it through to your ears and body.

Michael Green

tweak1
3,679 posts
 
Don't shoot the messenger. There is a ton of music hidden within the CD format, including red book.I have cds that are easily 15 years old, that were some magazines recording of the month, that I found lacking. As my system improves, so does the music
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 
Red Book CD's are my favorite source.
mrearl
40 posts
 
It's hilarious that they sold the public on cd's because they "have more dynamic range".  There is nothing that has less dynamic range than your average cd, probably owing to modern mastering practices.
mrearl
40 posts
 
" Classical Music usually isn’t mixed with the “Loudness Wars” mentality. "

Sir, you are mistaken.
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