Holographic imaging

Pubul57, your observation regarding holography and dynamics in live vs reproduced music is right on the money.

Years ago one of Stereophile's writer offered some perspective that I think is worth passing along, only I can't find the exact quote. But it went something like this:

"I am not so much interested in WHERE the musicians are on the stage as I am in WHY they are on the stage."

Duke

Pubul57 and Audiokinesis, I refuse to concede that reproduced music should be allowed to differ from real. We are seldom allowed to be in optimal locations at live events or to hear without amplification. There is an enormous thrill is hearing reproduced music at very close to what the microphones hear. I don't want to start the wars again, but this is what I am getting. I hope this will entice you to catch a listen.

Norm, with all due respect, let it stand. We have heard you. You do not concede. Fine. I have a reserved, favourite seat at our concert hall, classical unamplified music, mind you, and with my behind firmly planted in there and later just as firmly before my rig, I would contend, wether you allow it or not, it does. But let us not argue over this here, since it is off topic. Start a new thread if you like....

Norm, even with a temporary suspension of disbelief, reproduced music never sounds live to me; which doesn't mean it can't be very enjoyable and wonderful on it's own terms, but I'm never really fooled into thinking it is real no matter what equipment I've heard it on - but that is ok with me, I accept it. I think Duke's quote on "why" the musicians are on stage really captures the end game for what a great system can do for you - you get what the musicians are doing, what they are trying to say; even if it is not an exact replica of the live experience.

FWIW, the reason recordings don't have the same perspective that you hear in the concert hall, that you have a greater holographic quality in them than in real life, has to do with the microphone placement and post processing (if any).

Try spending some time with the mics at live performances and you will see what I mean real fast. Having a recording that you have taken from the live performance to CD or LP is immensely useful in developing a reference- it makes a difference when you were there and know what it was supposed to sound like.