Bolero:why can't my system reproduce snare well?

I second the comments about recording technique and quality.

Also, to be sure that nothing simple is being overlooked, are you using the 4 ohm taps on the amplifier? If not, that is undoubtedly part of the problem.

Also, given that the impedance of the speakers descends to very low values in the upper treble region (as is typical of electrostatics), if your speaker cables are particularly long and also have highish inductance per unit length that could be a contributing factor as well.

Regards,
-- Al

Great points by Frogman and Lowrider, as might be expected. I would add one other thought, which is that putting all other factors aside the nature of our hearing mechanisms is such that a snare drum will tend to sound at least a little bit "muffled" when played softly, in comparison to when it is played loudly. The reason being the Fletcher-Munson Effect; i.e. the sensitivity of our hearing to upper treble frequencies (as well as deep bass frequencies), relative to its sensitivity to mid frequencies, declines as volume decreases.

Regards,
-- Al

A further and probably more significant point than the one I just mentioned: Take a look at these graphs, which are presented in this article. The high frequency content of a snare drum hit, relative to the lower frequency content, is much greater when the instrument is played loudly compared to when it is played softly.

As the article says, "the harder you strike a snare drum, the louder it becomes, and the more energy is radiated at higher frequencies."

As Frogman noted, in "Bolero" the snare "gets louder only as other instruments join in."

Regards,
-- Al

However, last night, I was listening to Bolero, and the snare sounded terrible.... These speakers sound good on bass, but also seem to be lacking on cymbals as well.... All: can you please recommend a good reference LP? I currently do not have a cd player hooked up to my system.

Perhaps one of the others can recommend a good currently available recording of Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije Suite or Romeo and Juliet ballet excerpts. (All of the versions I have on LP are no longer in print). Snare drum and cymbals are well represented on both.

Frogman, LOL re your "lighter note" link. Thanks!

Regards,
-- Al