First and foremost for me, the music has to sound like music. Set aside for a moment that I have absolutely no idea what the actual recording process was or what the recording engineer heard, instruments must sound like instruments that I am familiar with.
Notwithstanding that different pianos or violins will sound different. I know a good violin or piano sound when I hear it. Joe Sample's piano sounds totally different than Bob Jame's piano.
I know what a cymbal sounds like. Again, it does depend on the recording, because the engineer or artist may have used electronic instruments instead of the real thing.
But, first, it has to sound natural to me. Space and dimension are separate and totally recording dependent. Its hard to get space and dimensionality from electronic instruments that are wired directly into the mixing board. But, place mikes in front of the instruments in space, then maybe you have something.
Is it natural? is it too bright, too soft? Do the artist step out of your speakers, place themselves in your room exactly as they were when the recording was made? Yeah!!! there we are.
I have played classical violin, sax, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, etc. I know what instruments are suppose to sound like. That is one reason why I'm so critical of my system, music and sound. Basically, I know what I like. Others have their own criteria.
People can and will pick your system and styles apart, because to them, you don't know anything and they are the master. But, they aren't the one listening in your home to your music. your are. They aren't the one that has to come out-of-pocket and purchase your equipment.you do. If you enjoy the system (yeah it can be nice furniture also. My turntable is made out of Rosewood and really is beautiful to me) and your music, and it doesn't drive you out of the room, and sounds real to you, then you are there.
Yes, you can (and often will) improve things, but, that will be in small incremental steps.
enjoy
Notwithstanding that different pianos or violins will sound different. I know a good violin or piano sound when I hear it. Joe Sample's piano sounds totally different than Bob Jame's piano.
I know what a cymbal sounds like. Again, it does depend on the recording, because the engineer or artist may have used electronic instruments instead of the real thing.
But, first, it has to sound natural to me. Space and dimension are separate and totally recording dependent. Its hard to get space and dimensionality from electronic instruments that are wired directly into the mixing board. But, place mikes in front of the instruments in space, then maybe you have something.
Is it natural? is it too bright, too soft? Do the artist step out of your speakers, place themselves in your room exactly as they were when the recording was made? Yeah!!! there we are.
I have played classical violin, sax, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, etc. I know what instruments are suppose to sound like. That is one reason why I'm so critical of my system, music and sound. Basically, I know what I like. Others have their own criteria.
People can and will pick your system and styles apart, because to them, you don't know anything and they are the master. But, they aren't the one listening in your home to your music. your are. They aren't the one that has to come out-of-pocket and purchase your equipment.you do. If you enjoy the system (yeah it can be nice furniture also. My turntable is made out of Rosewood and really is beautiful to me) and your music, and it doesn't drive you out of the room, and sounds real to you, then you are there.
Yes, you can (and often will) improve things, but, that will be in small incremental steps.
enjoy