2. misc-audio
  3. 190193-1069

So, a reviewer just said something I need to talk about.

I will not mention the reviewer, nor the specific equipment being reviewed, but this statement was made, talking about sax and strings: "the strings had real body, and it sounded like real strings being played". The tonality of the instruments was what he/she was talking about. I get this. The tone, the spatiality of the instruments, the stage that was presented. All well and good. What about the engagement between the listener and the musician. I have stated so many times here, ad nauseam, that the most important aspect of music listening, for me (and not enough with other listeners) is the "playing of the instruments". The artistry of the musician behind those strings. I just don’t get it. When I listen to Jeff Beck (RIP), using him as an example, what I am attracted to, FIRST & FOREMOST, is his PLAYING. Reviewers talk about "sound". Most people here talk about "sound". I spend more time now on other sites, that speak about the music playing and, the compositions. For whatever reasons, I seem to be realizing, that A’gon members, as so many reviewers, talk about sound. They very rarely mention MY most important aspect of listening. The musicianship and the compositions. Another rant from me. What are your thoughts on this? How do you listen? What do you listen for/to? What does your system convey to you? I know I am out of line again, but........My best to everyone. Always, MrD.

mrdecibel
painter24's avatar
painter24
314 posts
 

I may be missing the OP's point, forgive me if so but, if I want to explore or discuss music for music's sake, I read music publications and online resources; if I want to explore the potential of a hifi component with a view to that component relaying the music I love, to me, in a manner I happen to prefer, I'd read HiFi publications or forums such as this.

I don't expect HiFi review publications/reviewers to wax lyrical about an artists virtuosity, or the profundity of their lyrics; I need them to relay to me how the equipment they're reviewing works and how it conveys music

On the flip side, when exploring for new music or reading music publications and reviews, I don't really need or want them to give me a review of their hifi system, only the artist and the music they are reviewing.

But that's just me 🤔😊

 

kennymacc
436 posts
 

Regardless of what any reviewer says (or anyone else, for that matter), fact is, the world of high end audio is and always will be all about subjectivity when it comes to the reproduction of sound.  I just concentrate my own audio system, in the comfort of my own home, and how it musically and emotionally connects with me.  Nothing else really matters.  Happy listening.    

wolf_garcia
6,723 posts
 

It would be ridiculous to judge any music by sound instead of musicianship. Do people actually do that? When looking at a great painting are some simply noticing a bunch of paint colors secondary to the art quality? Hmmm...Jeff Beck kills me playing any guitar from any period...Strats, Telecasters, Les Pauls...all sounding different but clearly it’s his playing that matters. Great sounding crappy music is still crappy music, well played great music is always great. You could arguably judge a system’s tonal qualities for review purposes with beer guzzler belches you were familiar with, but I’d prefer the Danish String Quartet or Julian Lage, and both are well recorded. Win win.

pennfootball71's avatar
pennfootball71
278 posts
 

You should just go listen to live music more. Audio equipment to really generate something close to that is over 100 grand to get close to the composition and all the nuances. Gear matters more to make the not only the right sound of 1 element but to reproduce the live recording takes BIG MONEY. 

mahler123
3,396 posts
 

+1 @hilde45 

 

Who reads an audio magazine to learn about whether a performer sounds like they are emotionally involved, or whether the music makes one want to dance, or whatever.  I read music magazines for that.  I read audio magazines to get an idea of how the components involved reproduce the sound frequencies produced by the performers.  

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