When did you ever hear a system sound so life-like

Ok I believe those that claim it is impossible.
But wouldn't it be interesting to get a top notch system and have it set up on a stage next to live musicians and do an a/b test between live and recorded playback.
How many can claim they will definitely tell the difference, I would love to partake in that experiment.
Not writing this to pose a challenge but as a learning step.

Not life-like is the last refuge of the audiophile scoundrel. :-) By that I mean it gives us something to hide behind when our systems don't quite move us enough.

And yet, isn't it still the goal?

Dear Pedrillo: +++++ " on a stage next to live musicians and do an a/b test between live and recorded playback. " +++++

so what you are suggesting is R2R live recording against " live ". This could be interesting and obviously different from live music against LP playback.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Hi Mr Pedrillo I believe this has been done a few times in the past.A couple of examples though a bit humorous come from smart advertisers that tried to catch the attention of the masses.
1959 Fisher electronics demonstrated to a shocked audience live VS their new stereo sound and most could not tell the difference.
1970s remember the TV commercials with Ella Fitzgerald, is it LIVE or MEMOREX?

Interesting thread... I think you can make a good case for how good an audio system can reproduce music. I have had 2 channel systems for 40+ years and have enjoyed a lot of good music. I have also attended quite a few concerts and have enjoyed those performances as well.

The real separation comes if you are a musician. I have played piano for 50+ years and the guitar almost as long. Nothing comes close to being part of the performance. You hear it, feel it, touch it and the music is part of you and you are part of it. You become "one" with the music.

Pickup a used acoustic guitar and start learning to play. It's never too late to learn. As you caress the instrument, hear the music and feel the vibrations in your chest, you'll understand and be changed forever.

Paul