Compromises (recording quality)

The better ones hi-fi Is the better ALL Vinyl/cd's will sound. I was not surprised at the choice of music at this years Denver hi-fi show (same as last years show) the exhibitors were playing mostly easy listening, sounds good on any system stuff like blues/jazz. I always take along cd's that I know give gear a hard time. I mainly listen to old Brit goth/Indie music and I know that they are not generally very well produced for the most part In hi-fi terms but If they sound good then the system will make well recorded stuff sound excellent. If a cd sounds poor Is it the fault of the cd or the gear It Is played through? My thoughts are the latter Is the culprit.My thoughts only.

I handle by using a second armwand and cartridge on my TT and a second cd player for the bright stuff.

there is nothing wrong with owning some "band aids" to overcome the sonic deficits of some recordings. band aids include cables, anti resonant devices and accessories.

use only when necessary.

My$.02:
If it's a rock recording, usually there is only one version. If it's bad, you're sort of stuck with it. Sometimes an "audiophile remaster" can be had for more money, e.g. of Pink Floyd. This may or may not be more satisfying than the "regular" edition, since recording and mastering are somewhat subjective crafts.
If there's a classical piece I like, I try to find and buy different performances thereof. Sometimes I end up with a good recording of a performance that doesn't "sit right" with me. Sometimes I have a poor recording of a performance that I really wish were recorded better. And sometimes, crooned Goldilocks, pulling a spoonful out of Mama Bear's bowl...
cheers apo

It has taken me about 30 component changes but I finally have it so that poor recordings are recognizeably poor - but not irritating. It is very hard to balance transparency with forgiving sound but if you try hard enough, it can happen. I hear music like never before and I'm not afraid anymore to play something that might not have the best engineering backing it.

Although I admit to making use of my C42's EQ to help out the bad recordings. It's necessary to keep great recordings sounding great because no system should try to please everything. That would be too much of a compromise IMO.

Arthur