2. misc-audio
  3. 181640-20253

Is a highly discerning system enjoyable?

I argue that in terms of musical enjoyment, connection, feeling the musicians and composers maybe a highly discerning system is going too far? Maybe I want the warts airbrushed out.  Maybe I like a system that lets me listen to a broader range of recordings  without whincing?

Then there’s systems which are discerning of performances vs. discerning of upstream gear. I personally feel they are not the same thing at all.

Lastly, if your room is an acoustic mess, how can you tell?

If you feel strongly either way I'd appreciate examples of the gear that made you go one way or another.

erik_squires

Showing 2 responses by zlone

zlone
405 posts
 

Like others have commented, I think you can have highly discerning without engaging, in which case some recordings may be unpleasant. I have found that some equipment plays all the notes well, but the music not so much. On the other hand, some recordings are not salvageable on high resolution systems. 

zlone
405 posts
 

@erik_squires 

On the other hand, some recordings are not salvageable on high resolution systems. 

Can't we argue though that the high resolution system in some cases IS what makes a recording sound a lot worse?

Yes, we can agree on that. I realize that I am somewhat contradicting myself. I guess my point was that there are some systems that provide high levels of detail, but are just not that musical, resulting in a greater percentage of recordings sounding not so good. Hence the journey of finding the right components that provide the sound that suits us as individuals. I am in a pretty good place with my system right now, but still looking for that next level of musical splendor.

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