Solving the "complex music problem"?

To me, it is a combination of things. I call it congestion. Where it loses its direct, immediate quality of conveying the sound of an instrument and begins to sound like a recording playing at you. Some people opt for more analytical systems to deal with this-I’m not sure that’s a good answer.

I’ve found that as my current system (circa 2006 or so) improved, so did the ability to separate out instruments and not get the impression of a congealed, congested presentation.

I also think it has to do with the recording and mastering. I’m not a fan of "audiophile" recordings for sake of sonics, but instead, chase stuff that is interesting to me-- that often involves a search and sometimes, the OG is it; the recording has been reissued by not from the master tape or even a safety.

For later records, it is less of a problem but still an issue regarding quality of pressing and mastering. I try and stick with OG records, but have various remasters of some things. I was shocked by how good an old Delmark OG was compared to the Chad recut. Buddy Guy with Junior. Finding an unmolested mono or stereo from back in the day is nigh on impossible, so we settle for Chad’s recut, which is very good.

But we lose something in the process. That’s why there is so much variation in SQ among records, even those purportedly cut from the tape.

Room acoustics, Room acoustics, and again Room acoustics is the element that is most neglected in the home Hi-Fi environment.

Same system in acoustically treated room, and the very same room that you remove acoustical elements sounds way, way different.

Instantly you will put back your acoustical elements back no matter how ugly/nice looking they are.

Today you can find on internet tube bass trap units that are not ugly and dark as they where before, but they are more like room effective decorative element in wide range of colors and shapes that can fit in any space, and of course to satisfied woman's perspective.

@subsystemtechnology , congrats on your first post and welcome to the forum. I agree with you 100%. When you have time could you post your system in your profile? Always interesting to compare. thx.

I use horn speakers pointed right at my earballs when I'm in my "sweet spot" chair and really only the bass is reflecting off of anything, but that's what bass does. I adjust the subs if they get too much or too little...rarely. Then if I sit elsewhere in the tall ceilinged largish room it sounds like great music is being played by musicians in that end of the room, and everything can be heard. Everything. If your system doesn't do that, well, I don't care. I don't even know you...get away from me...grumpy old man alert!

My feeling as well.  I may have opinions about pin point imaging, but frankly it is nowhere near the top of my list of prioritizes when listening.  Most of my listening is done outside the sweet spot.  I focus more on tonal issues and rhythmic coherence.  In fact, as fun as imaging can be when in the mood for ear candy, I find it can be a distraction from other things that are more important to me.