How to get the system sounding live?

When I think of "live" sound, I think of sound that's a bit forward through the midrange. More laid-back sounds less "live" to me although I wouldn't say it's a bad thing.

As far as having better sound at lower levels goes, this may be because the sound is more dynamically compressed, which brings the volume of the loudest and softest sounds closer together. This would actually be the opposite of how "live" uncompressed music would sound. You'd lose the contrast between loud and soft sounds so that when you turned the volume up to realistic "live" levels everything would sound relatively loud, which is not how it should be.

The more dynamic and uncompressed the sound is, the lower the apparent average level will be. Conversely, the more compressed and least dynamic sound seems to have a louder average level.

Compressed sound is very definitely more laid back... For example, most Home Theater receivers offer a dynamic range control circuit to compress the sound for late night listening. This is so the loud sounds like explosions and such are reduced in level and the soft sounds are made comparitively louder... so as not to knock you off the sofa or disturb the rest of the family. This also helps raise the intelligibility of low-level dialogue when listening at lower levels.

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, 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.

Pedrillo, you may have something there. After all, the word "music" inspires reverie. Back in the day with the Dynaco ST-400 amp, the Technics Turntable with Shure V15 series cartridge and AR-3A speakers so beguiling was the music that I would often doze off while listening. It's actually a very good way to relieve day-to-day stress.

Cheers!