Does your system take you there or...?

PMB,
I have to honestly say that in my current system it really depends on the recording. Some recordings absolutely put me in the venue to the point where I feel I can describe the exact dimensions and characteristics. With others There`s a sublime presence of the musicians and vocalist definitely in my room, living breathing flesh and blood.
It`s become very addictive.

My system often takes me there but sometimes forgets to bring me back. Once I was virtually stuck in the Village Vanguard with a bunch of hard drinking circa 1963 "Madmen" era glass clinking smokers for almost 6 hours after Bill Evans had gone home.

I've been struggling with this issue but was unable to conceptualize it. Well done and thanks.

To me, the more I improve my system the less it feels like the musicians are sitting in front of me, and the more I'm transported to the recording venue. The increase in air, sound staging and detail tends to open a window that wasn't there before. I'm still not sure whether I prefer the more 'intimate' presentation, which focuses more on the individual instruments, or a more expansive presentation that, while having lots of detail, seems to blurr things a little bit, yet give me a better feeling of the whole.

It's kind of like being on stage, as opposed to being a few rows back. It certainly varies by recording, but the general pattern is the same.

Interesting issue. Now that I've spent the cash on the big rig, I guess there is no going back.

Well, the room is there no matter what so that is a factor no matter what.

Different systems will sound different even in the same room. Some may seem to interact with teh room more so than others. It all depends.

Not sure what else to say. If it sounds good, it sounds good. Some recordings may sound live especially if you close your eyes. Others sound like recordings. It all depends.....

are we talking some guy with a guitar, some folk singer or are you speaking of groups such as Wynton's Jazz orch or a Symphony Orch? It don't take much to put a solo guitar in the room.