"03-18-15: Csontos
What I find a little self-aggrandizing is the declaration that "Ive finally arrived at the perfect synergy and all there is to do now is enjoy the music". Hogwash! The objective fact is that no playback system even approaches live/real events. Not only that but it's being declared here on an 'audiophile' site where music is what facilitates the hobby. It's laughable. If I could acquire a perfect system, I'd sabotage my interest. It would then cease to exist, the challenge is no more. Fact is I love the hobby. Without the gear to focus on, I'd have to take up stamp collecting while listening to music."
Wow, I know it sounds right that the recorded sound should approach the live event....I must say my sound surpasses any live event I have been to. Firstly for pop/rock etc. the live event is often pretty ordinary, All depends on the venue and the mixing desk and the PA. You are in fact listening to a giant stereo system!! Secondly for Classical depends on where you sit and the amplifications system and the hall. Sorry but I never get to sit front row dead centre, maybe you do? At home I am always dead centre.
I search out unamplified musical events to use as a reference...they are few and far between usually chamber and jazz ensembles...and you know what they are bright and edgy, the trumpet and violins can be uncomfortably piercing, the kick drum is often a bit overwhelming and loose, the cymbals often dominate the sound uncomfortably...it is not syrupy smooth.
Perhaps accuracy is not what we are looking for..rather a sound that pleases and fidelity to pick the characteristics of the instruments, and finally speed and timing that excites??? That maybe why there are such differing opinions on equipment e.g.. tube vs SS....each to his own:)
I am now going to duck for cover.