hi shadorne:
you have confronted the dichotomy facing serious listeners, namely: accuracy, as input=output, or musicality, as approaching the sound of live music.
one is not right or wrong.
i understand the arguments favoring reproducing what is there, no more no less, but very often, a recording is so far removed from reality that you either want to throw the recording out the window, or "edit" the stereo system.
i understand your analogy of the art gallery. although i think you exaggerate, the art gallery represents reality, as does the concert hall. while i prefer sitting in the last row in the orchestra at concerts, at an art gallery, i could stand 20 to 40 feet, but would not distort my vision if i did not like the painting.
the audio issue is taste and i respect both positions. if your standard is to respect the artist intention, then accuracy of reproduction is the criterion for assessing the merits of stereo systems. if your standard is the natural timbre of instruments, some voicing of a stereo system is logically consistent.
there are two standards and both have merit. live and let live.
you have confronted the dichotomy facing serious listeners, namely: accuracy, as input=output, or musicality, as approaching the sound of live music.
one is not right or wrong.
i understand the arguments favoring reproducing what is there, no more no less, but very often, a recording is so far removed from reality that you either want to throw the recording out the window, or "edit" the stereo system.
i understand your analogy of the art gallery. although i think you exaggerate, the art gallery represents reality, as does the concert hall. while i prefer sitting in the last row in the orchestra at concerts, at an art gallery, i could stand 20 to 40 feet, but would not distort my vision if i did not like the painting.
the audio issue is taste and i respect both positions. if your standard is to respect the artist intention, then accuracy of reproduction is the criterion for assessing the merits of stereo systems. if your standard is the natural timbre of instruments, some voicing of a stereo system is logically consistent.
there are two standards and both have merit. live and let live.