@bdp24 +1! Your observations on snap, silence and veiling are absolutely spot on. I’ve spent many years building a system that was as transparent as I could make it using my Sheffields as the standard reference measure. When those Harry James trumpet notes rocket through your brain, you know you’re on the right track. The quality of the source material is an essential part of happy listening!
In listening to your system(s)...what is most crucial to your enjoyment?
In growing up around live musicians and instruments, the authenticity of sound, timbre (
Timbre is French in origin, which is apparent in its pronunciation: it is often pronounced \TAM-ber\ and, with a more French-influenced second syllable, \TAM-bruh\. ... And timbre may also be correctly pronounced just like timber as \TIM-ber\) ...a search finds diversity to the definition of timbre. For me, it ties to "my truth" when I hear non-amplified instrument or group of instruments, voice or voices presented before me. Changes to my system either get me closer or further from my truth. Emphasis "my truth" because I've come to believe, like our other senses, it differs among us, leaving "experts" to theirs, some of which seem to "fit" mine. It's fun when that happens. Robert E Greene of TAS and Art Dudley of Phile seem to have advised me towards my truth over the years (with bits of disagreement here and there) but, they have steered me well, thanks. What do you find crucial?