2. amps-preamps
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How often should you re-calibrate your ears?

I went to see a jazz quartet last night in an intimate setting. It had been waay too long since I've been out to experience live music. Sitting at home listening to music and critiquing the accuracy of the recording is really worthless if you don't periodically experience a true reference...... a live event.

The experience provided me with some sorely needed perspective. I am now of the belief that twice a year is the minimun those in this hobby should experienc a live musical event of the type of music you listen to on recordings.

I now know I have been far too dependent on recorded music for too long. Live is still where it's at.
128x128mitch4t
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I go to concerts a minimum of once a month, usually more. I also sing in a chamber group, so I hear vocals weekly at least in rehearsal.

My reference has always been live...
robm321
932 posts
 
I went to a concert in SF this weekend (jazz). It made me realize that my system wasn't sounding as "bright" as I thought. The concert hall and live music sounded a bit harsh and when I closed my eyes the instruments weren't localized at all.

Morale is, Quit expecting perfection from my stereo.

Nothing beats the live stuff.
hpims
129 posts
 
I heard a flute, drum set, acoustic guitar, bass, and a violin in an outdoor setting last summer. No reflections to muck things up. No amplifiers, no cables, no wires, no transistors. I was about 50 feet away.

Sounded like my Vandersteens.....Powered by McIntosh tubes.

To YOUR ears, another combination may give simular results.
Personally, I find concert halls to be a bit harsh and like mentioned above, there is poor localization of the instruments due to the "Bose Effect" of too many reflections.

Of course, if you LIKE that sound, buy Bose!!

Whatever sounds good to YOUR ears, man!!
kinsekd
252 posts
 
As the father of a budding musician, my ears get recalibrated every day as my son practices. Of course, sometimes it's a bit TOO realistic (ouch).

But seriously, your point is well taken. We do need constant exposure to that reference. That's why I feel so fortunate to live in Nashville where they are building a new concert hall with world class acoustics designed right in. When completed, its acoustics are supposed to rival the best halls in all the world. And yes rcprince, I did contribute generously, within my means, towards its construction. I can't wait. :o)
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
Kinsekd: That's great--but watch out, they may come after you to be a trustee if you give too much!!! We're fortunate here in NJ to have the NJ Performing Arts Center in NY with a very fine hall. It really shouldn't, in theory, make that big a difference in my enjoyment of the music (after all, it is the same music I love and played well by the same musicians), but it really does, as there are many seats in Avery Fisher Hall, for example, that make the musical experience almost unpleasant. When are they supposed to finish the construction?
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