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the sound of massed violins in classical orchestral recordings

why do massed violins have this sort of gritty sandpapery reverberation in classical orchestral recordings?even in some sections of a piece, when the violins are playing softly in the background, you hear that gritty overtone more than the melody.when I listen to the Houston symphony in Jones Hall,sitting fourth row, facing the violin section, I don't hear that sound.I have three systems { two of them mid-fi ] and I hear the same thing-even with headphones.in all instances, the other parts of the orchestra are clear.  my main system : Vanalistine Trancendence 10 tube preamp,a 35 year old solid state Proton D1200 amp, [have tried NAD,Project, Musical Fidelity amps--they don't sound any better],Onkyo dx7555 CD player [Stereophile class B],and Project Carbon turntable with Grado Black 2 cartridge [ the Ortophon Red was too bright ] through Magnepan MG12/QR speakers.Tried a highly regarded Elac speaker--no change as far as the violins go, but way inferior to those dramatic Maggies.So, there you have it. Is it the equipment? Is the state of the art not up to recording violins? Is it me? [its o.k.-I can take it}. In closing,a couple of years ago,I had phone conversation with a well known person associated with a major speaker company about this. His response :[ paraphrased ] Violins are a problem--don't like 'em.  Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.
6119
tablejockey
3,940 posts
 
It's the recording. Listen to a 50's press of many labels, and they sound convincing. Even on a modest setup the quality is easily heard. 80's-present recordings are hit or miss.

Naturally, even the great labels had some duds as well. 

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mapman's avatar
mapman
22,402 posts
 
Frogman one thing I would point out is transient response Is not limited to the leading edge of notes though perhaps that is where it is typically most pronounced. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Just one other thing: rather than a "gritty sandpapery reverberation" what I hear when there are problems is more of a harsh glare, a kind of steely sound that might otherwise suggest that a component or a speaker is close to its performance envelope.  Perhaps instead it was the recording device (ADC or whatever) that was close to its limit.
frogman
7,475 posts
 
**** harsh glare, a kind of steely sound ****

Yes, but could also be described as “gritty, sandpapery”.  Gritty and sandpapery is what I like to call a “soft grain”.  Soft, because use of the term “grain” is usually associated with a harsh sound.  I hear a soft grain, akin to what one sees when one gets very close to a picture in a newspaper....one can see the ink dots.  The sonic image is not saturated enough.  For me, good pure analog sound still fills in more of the dots that complete the sonic picture heard with live orchestral violins. 
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