The job of a reviewer is to review how a particular piece of kit reproduces instruments using their reference recordings. Some reviewers will focus simply on that aspect of music reproduction looking for accuracy and resolution. Others will mention how a familiar recording moved them emotionally. In both cases reading and understanding reviews is a skill. You need to be able to read between the lines. Personal preference will influence the conclusion of a review. That’s what we need to understand.
You don’t need an uber high end, uber expensive system to enjoy music. As a matter of fact ultra resolving systems will more often than not steer the listener towards more analytical listening, getting in a way of enjoying a composition and performance. It’s tough to get out of that mode. You begin to listen to perfectly recorded music only because your system will make a crappy recording sound like crap. I’ve been there, done that. Striking that ultimate balance of resolution and musical enjoyment takes time and effort. That’s what the system building is all about to me. Once you get there that system will allow you to appreciate all aspects of music reproduction starting from what the emotions the musicians are conveying by performing a particular piece to the skills of the recording engineer and their ability yo capture that performance to deliver it in its full glory to the listener.
Ultimately this hobby, to me, is both about the music and the gear. It should never be about gear alone. I want to be able to enjoy listening for all the hyper details that are available on Nils Lofgren’s “Keith Don’t Go” but be able to play Bruno Walter’s Mahler and enjoy it for the performance. Just my $0.02
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.
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+1 @audphile1 - reviewer don’t choose average gear to review, they choose good-great performing gear. I paid special attention when a familiar reviewer was unusually surprised at the very positive component performance, commenting why didn’t they review this brand before. After additional research, I purchased it. |
@audphile1 +1, very nicely said, but "Keith Don't Go" is also a standout to Nil's musicianship and virtuosity as a guitar player and singer. As I still communicate with many of my customers whom I’ve consulted with and folks I have met since, there IS a change over from listening to the musicianship, to listening to the gear. This has been proven time and time again, from my personal observations. When someone makes a statement that to them a recording is poor, they will not listen to it, especially through there rig, I feel sad, for them. So much "magic" from these musicians. I listen to bootlegs of various artists that are recorded poorly, based on audiophile standards, but damn, the musicianship is GREAT. I understand, really I do, but many moons ago, it was all about the music. It is now, all about the sound (for the greater majority of listeners). I will restrain (at least I will try) from harping on this. Those folks who listen to the music 1st, and those folks who listen to the gear 1st, know who they are. As I have stated, if the enjoyment is there, so be it, and that IS what it’s all about. So, thank you all for participating and interacting with me. My best to everyone. MrD. |
No, @audphile1 , you don't. But it is altogether possible that the more you spend the more you want out of it, and if you own a system that cost less than some of the power cords you referenced on a recent previous thread, you may have different priorities and different expectations. |
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