How much “suspension of disbelief do you need?”

I close my eyes and fall into the soundstage. 
 

I guess only when in evaluation mode do I compare. In between upgrade cycles I do the above.

@tony1954

  +1

  Why stress about something you will never have?

Obviously a recording can never reproduce the dynamics of a live performance. Who in their right mind would expect to have a full symphony orchestra crammed into their room. Even if it was possible it'd sound horrible.

A better test is how do individual instruments sound? A good test can be the saxophone. Is it getting close to a sounding like a live instrument or is it a poor representation?

I just enjoy the the wonderful music and consider how blessed I am to have this system. I enjoy the escape and let the music wash over me. Forgetting about this messed up world for a little bit.

Actually, I do get that “in the room” experience very often with my system, with vocals, with solo guitar, sometimes with piano. Always late at night. Never with larger ensembles, which wouldn’t fit in my listening room. But with any musicians who could, yes, they do sound like they’re right in front of me. . Good equipment and the right speakers placed correctly. Took me 20 years of churning and tweaking gear and a yacht’s worth of money to get there, but yes,