Quality system, make poor recordings sound better?

"Absolutely Whart, getting a very clear midrange that also is grain free, well, the only way is low distortion. "

"Poor" recordings are often have a lot more energy in the midrange compared to "higher quality" more extended ones. So getting a handle on noise and distortion there is paramount. All the best most extended and dynamic recordings should benefit as well. Otherwise, something is not right.

Some "Poor" recordings with limited frequency extension might properly be viewed as good litmus tests, ie most music occurs in the midrange so good performance there goes a long way. Only once that is right does anyone have any business going for top performance with the rest.

I wonder often if many "lesser" recordings are perceived that way mainly because they are not perceived as as flashy as the best and most extended recordings. After all if the recording has a lot of bling to start with, its not so hard to deliver at least some of that. When the recording is fundamentally sound within limits,often in terms of high and/or low frequency content, or perhaps also even in terms of mono versus stereo, there is less "bling" so revealing this kind of diamond in the rough is not so easy. ITs all about low noise and distortion, and the midrange is where things will make or break initially usually well before all the rest of teh harder stuff. If it ain't good there, chances are it is not so good with the rest either.

I think, it is all emotional. After more than 20 years I listened to Rolling Stones "Paint It black" again and I was floored ...

what makes a great recording ? To me as i am skipping around my digital library the songs that have pleasant frequencies are listened to most . Along with great separation of instruments in the soundstage . Maybe strong bass notes will get me listening to a particular track also.

A great recording with have dimension (width and depth) and won't be harsh. There will be detail and subtlety. There will be dynamic contrasts too. The bass won't be rolled off, nor will it be too boomy.

In a way, its the kind of thing that when you hear it, you will know.

I share Syntax's view. Humans are attracted to music and respond in an emotional way. If the components can't convey the soul and emotion of music what good are they?