Is there anything better than live recordings?

Been to, oh, a thousand or so concerts in last 50yrs (from Hip Hop to the Bolshoi), I have about 500 CDs and about 4000 songs saved on Qobuz. I have never, ever, heard a live recording of a track sound as good as the studio. Only very rarely does the live show sound as good - never better - than the studio recording. As a rule I avoid listening to live recordings because of this. A live show is the mutual gift between the performer/writer and the audience and studio recordings only have acoustic energy. So you get that connection and real human energy from a show. But sounds better? Never.

Live can be good to bad, studio can be good to bad- Seems like addressing a hypothetical “ideally equal” is a waste of time as superior sonics should be the goal regardless of live or not

Hi jjbeason14 ... thanks for the topic.

Based upon last Saturday's experience, I've discovered another option that, for me, beats the simple playback of a live recording.  My Peers will remember the 1970's live television music variety show, "The Midnight Special."  The show was simultaneously broadcasted by FM radio stations in stereo sound.  Despite the small screens, it was exciting, drawing big name acts.  Saturday, my wife and I drove a couple hours north to eastern Maine as a getaway weekend, and attended:  

Metropolitan Opera | In Cinemas (metopera.org)  

The opera was the Italian "Fedora" with English subtitles.  Now, I'm the same guy who posted a response last week saying I much prefer listening to 2 channel in a darkened room, with just the glow of tubes.  Well, the Metropolitan Opera is not just any cut-rate production.  The orchestra, the camera work, the video and audio were engaging, engrossing and just plain old fun for us.  We chanced into a dear friend and shared a plate.  Highly recommended!

More Peace, Pin     (bold print for old eyes)