2. digital
  3. 173212-1294

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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,316 posts
 

Yes that article goes into a lot of details that may factor into what is perceived subjectively as good sound. See what I mean? It supports my point.  Not all details are valued equally. But that is always where push comes to shove. 

ghdprentice
7,082 posts
 

@musichead

 

Excellent article… thank you. It took me decades to really sense rhythm and pace. For the longest time, I had noticed if my foot unconsciously started moving to the music it had something that was missing on many systems. Over time, I was able to sense it and detect it in a system… although my foot is still the easiest indicator. A system with really good rhythm and pace allows you to fall into the music instead of listening to the system. Now I recognize this attribute is far more important than detail or imaging… although it is great to have those as well.

bjesien
1,311 posts
 

Good definitions. I would add that when speakers have detail and refinement they can be played louder than you would normally find acceptable, as long as the room doesn't present challenges.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

A system with really good rhythm and pace allows you to fall into the music instead of listening to the system. Now I recognize this attribute is far more important than detail or imaging… although it is great to have those as well.

Absolutely true and well stated. This is the good live venue effect where you immediately/spontaneously "fall into the music".

 

Charles 

 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@mrmusichead

Thanks for the link, Martin Colloms 1992.

Digital has come a very long way,. Pace, musical flow and rhythm is no longer an issue in my opinion with the proper high quality hardware.

Charles

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