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How to get the system sounding live?

I have just made some changes to my system and feel I have gone in the right direction.
For those of us who are trying to get their system to sound live as in performances with acoustical instruments mainly classical and jazz among others such as folk, what type of system sounds right or closer to live? Forward or laidback?
My apologies for the lack of better terminology.
I just recently changed some components in my system, and now my system sounds so much better as in closer to live, it sounds less forward than before.
What has been your experience in terms of getting that live sound- forward or not forward?
Also I should point out my system sounds better now at lower levels. Is this a good thing?
pedrillo
plato
1,543 posts
 
Jax2, it sounds like your listening preferences are akin to my own. I likewise prefer a more forward, dynamic, and uncongested presentation. There's nothing more spellbinding than a sweet siren singing... Being lured into the rocks is somewhat of a downside, but nothing compared to the risk of being a golf pro these days. :)

BTW, when I used the word "explosions," it was only to illustrate a point that others might relate to. It seemed to fit better than saying "very loud sounds." But your point is well taken. There's just so much gratuitous violence in movies these days... I view it as a kind of filler so that the poor screen writers don't have to think too hard about writing a story that could possibly stand on its own merits.

Sorry to stray off topic.
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
Thanks.
I agree with what plato said. But I am not certain what is it about my present configuration that I like so much. I notice that the sound isn't really less dynamic at low levels, and still sounds live as though I am sitting further back in the concert hall. There seems to be so much more presense.
When using the sim audio p-5, the preamp seemed more accurate and also live sounding but a bit artificial, very quiet and dynamic. This tube preamp isn't quiet.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
I took a quick peak at your system and it's difficult to tell what you are using (what is your "present configuration" that you are enjoying?). You have three preamps, including the Woo, and two amps...a couple of CD players and vinyl. It's difficult to know which combination of gear you are commenting on. It is a nice achievement for a system to still sound live when played at lower levels. That certainly speaks well to whatever combination you are enjoying.
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
Jax2,
Turntable: VPI Tnt heavily modified
Tonearm: Graham 2.2
Phono stage: jlti-awesome
Preamp: Audio Experience a2se
Amp: Conrad Johnson Premier 4
Speakers: Merlin
plato
1,543 posts
 
Pedrillo, I feel your pain. It's sometimes tough to decide what type of presentation you prefer and of course that preference can vary even during the course of a listening session.

In my small-room system I had the VTL ST-85 tube amp playing into my Magnepans. It produces a very lively and dynamic sound. Recently, I hooked up a pair of the new Monarchy SE-200 MK2 solid-state amps and it's an interesting contrast. The VTL is more in-yer-face and just balls-to-the-wall dynamic, but the Monarchy's are a little more laid back, and very detailed. They throw a very nice layered soundstage.

Then, there is the complication that I can cause the VTL to sound more laid back depending on what cables I use. If I experiment, perhaps I can get the Monarchys to sound more dynamic. I may try different speaker wires.

Presently the Monarchy's are very easy on the ears and it's sometimes difficult for me to not doze off while listening to them. They are soothing and seductive. Yet now and then I want a bit more dynamic kick and outright slam.
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