Is it live or is it?

The last bunch of years I have been disgusted with most amplified live concerts, even most rock concerts. Too bad, as I love listening to live music. But so much of it is poorly amplified and/or mixed I just get pissed off and either suffer through it (making faces and sometimes loud comments), or just leave. I think for two reasons: 1. I have become a more educated, discernable (a.k.a. snobbish) listener since acquiring a decent home rig and thus am far less tolerant of poor sound; and 2. the folks running the sound boards are either deaf, ignorant, or just don't care.

What I really hate is when a performance is amplified when there is absolutely no need. For example is smaller venues with acoustic instruments. Even if well done, I still hate it, knowing unamplified is best (when possible).

These days I much prefer my rig over most any live concert and often just stay home to listen.

Live concerts are like most things...there's the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Mapman wrote: Live concerts are like most things...there's the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Yes, and that applies to all genres, including the ones that some of us don't like. ;-)

I've gone back to horn speakers. They just sound... real, instead of hifi

That is right MapMan, just like anything, there is a big range at concerts. Last year I heard a lot of shows that sounded great and had really skilled mixers, as well as lots of mediocre ones and some poor ones. Some of the young generation of FOH engineers are really talented. I have three nights with Bass Nectar using the EAW Anya system this weekend. I am checking that system out at sound check. It is known for doing an amazing job of steering low frequency, which is really hard to do.

I also like Coli's comments. That is the whole point of this hobby. He may love horns and they may not be my favorite choice. But in the home, if it sounds good to you then it is just right! Nobody is wrong! In the pro world, you have so many factors to consider other than your own personal taste. I am curious Coli, what norm speakers are you listening to? I will have to keep my ears open for them.

Rich