what does "Air or a Halo around instruments" mean?


Ive heard many reviews describe speakers that have "Air or a Halo around instruments" , what exactly does that mean?
eantala

Showing 1 response by jayarr

Eantala, I interpret air to mean hearing the ambiance or environment into which the instrument is playing. For instance, you hear the oboe soloist not just playing notes to the left of center orchestra (localizing within the soundstage) but also projecting sound into the acoustic of the concert hall. You hear the sound of the instrument and the dispersal of the sound at the same time. I used to think this was just exageration or poetic nonsense. With a tube amp I finally heard and understood what they were talking about. It's one of those things you have to experience yourself to "get it". I never really heard it with solid state so never knew what I was missing.