High expectations when listening to an orchestra

@rvpiano there is only one way to audio nirvana. And if you deviate from MCs established path, there is hell to pay............

Oz

@rvpiano -- Agreed. All listening is "listening in" or "seeing as." The quest for too much realism is, for me, a sign I'm seeking a simulation (a Disney ride) rather than a meaningful engagement.

hilde45,

Exactly!
You get the point.

There’s a local church here that has excellent acoustics. Every quarter they have our professional symphony orchestra in for a performance. Each performance features some of the best young local musicians from ages 12-17 performing the solo instruments in the concertos. We always sit in the front row, right between the string section and the piano. I like to close my eyes and pretend that I’m listening to my home stereo system. As good as the system is at this point, it is VERY good, it doesn’t come close to the live performance. That is with full orchestras. However, small jazz groups, vocals, and small classical string performances are a different story. In that genre, the home system is getting very close indeed.

Have you ever heard a 12-year-old, who cannot reach the pedals without a booster play Gershwin's Rapsody in Blue so well that you want to throw every version in your collection away? These kids are astounding. 

Frank

You have to understand the issues and differences between the two events ("Live" VS "Memorex") and adjust your attitude and make allowances beforehand.
In short, you must Pre-Tend.
Your skill at pre-tending is what makes you a "Gifted Listener".