"I have heard fewer systems that at moderate volumes get a lot closer to the feeling created (for example) by a live kick drum and snare, and which as a result allow the bass playing on the music to be much more realistically in synch (groove) with the drummer, and not just a stodgy mess. That's what creates impact and excitement in playback."
Part of this may be dynamic limitations with the playback system and or recording format (like CD) but this may not be the system necessarily. It could be an aspect of many recordings as well as due to our ear's lowered sensitivity to low frequencies at lower volume. This is the kind of thing loudness controls and other forms of equalization are designed to correct by again INCREASING VOLUME of the needed frequencies ONLY. As the chart shows, this is less of an issue at higher volumes in general, which is why upping the volume knob almost always helps.
"Live" music occurs typically at fairly high live volumes/SPLs. There is no volume knob available to turn it down and have these effects come more into play although typically listening from a more remote location would have a similar effect.
Part of this may be dynamic limitations with the playback system and or recording format (like CD) but this may not be the system necessarily. It could be an aspect of many recordings as well as due to our ear's lowered sensitivity to low frequencies at lower volume. This is the kind of thing loudness controls and other forms of equalization are designed to correct by again INCREASING VOLUME of the needed frequencies ONLY. As the chart shows, this is less of an issue at higher volumes in general, which is why upping the volume knob almost always helps.
"Live" music occurs typically at fairly high live volumes/SPLs. There is no volume knob available to turn it down and have these effects come more into play although typically listening from a more remote location would have a similar effect.