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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
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,598 posts
 
I still think that the difference is in the different miking techniques used for recording small groups and orchestras.
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bigquery
978 posts
 
I just transitioned from an OPPO to an Esoteric CD Player with external clock, I can say I have a greater appreciation for all of my classical RB collection. That said, my guess is that most players with external clocks will yield similar results - so brand may not be all that important.

In addition I’ve upgraded ALL of my cables - power and interconnects. This change delivered on the crispness of the sound. And, the sonic change from stock power cords in particular was night and day.

No idea what equipment you have - maybe its better than what I’ve described. For me, the quality of the recording is now less important than it use to be. Or, to put it another way, the equipment appears to help all recordings sound better.  Bad recordings are never going to be healed but lets just say the difference between an older recording to a new recording is now easier to accept.

The external clock was also no small change in sound. Just to make certain that I was not justifying a purchase by wishing a better sound, I has some local audiophiles do A/B comparisons with me. We all agreed - the clock made everything more realistic - and again the change was substantial - once we all agreed on what to listen for,  The clock made the instruments appear to have a more exact location in the sound stage.

Best of luck.
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