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Should We Prioritize Detail In Our Assessment Of Audio Quality?

So many times I’ve read posts, measuring the audio quality of components and recordings, by how much detail they offer. Especially where it pertains to DAC’s and streaming devices. Whenever there’s a thread comparing Qobuz with Tidal, etc… I find multiple posts attempting to win an argument, based on the claim that one streaming service offers more detail than the other.

I like detail but to me, it’s just one characteristic among many. If I sit in different parts of a concert hall, I may hear more detail in one place over another but it doesn’t make or break my desire to sit in one location over another. So many Audiogoners have stated their preference of analogue over digital but in my experience, digital playback usually reveals the most detail. How do others interpret the emphasis of detail when evaluating the level of audio quality in their listening experiences?

128x128goofyfoot
edcyn
1,876 posts
 

I agree with everything you say. Detail, though, might be the easiest thing for somebody to analyze and judge a system by. It lends an aura of science and objectivity. It's so much more objective than discussing orchestral tone or what Frank Sinatra really did sound like. I must say, too, that it's also just plain fun to be able to  hear the Second Clarinetist blowing his nose.

ghdprentice
6,961 posts
 

You have hit on something it took me a few decades to put in perspective. Detail is good… but it is only one of many important sound characteristics. I have gone running from a number of high end systems that emphasized detail over other aspects… like noice, distortion and lack of rhythm and pace. Highlighted details can destroy the musical connection with the music. It is one of the easiest parameters to detect… along with slam. Build a system on those two parameters alone and you have a sterile and  uninvolving system… that may cause fatigue.
 

I remember being so happy hearing the drummer slide his foot… I can hear that on my current system, but it is not in the spotlight, and I probably will not notice it because I am lost in the music.

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