1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 1226673073

resolution and imaging

As my system has evolved over the years, I've noticed a change in how I perceive resolution. Resolution and imaging now seem inextricably linked to me, in other words, maximized imaging is absolutely necessary to maximizing resolution.

Prior to the last couple of years, I heard increases in resolution the way most reviewers describe it. A lowered noise floor allowed more detail through, I was hearing more background (low level) information than I heard previously.

With more recent upgrades, I now hear greater detail/resolution due to enhanced image density and dimensionality. Each upgrade brings more spaciousness, and with more space between all the micro elements that make up sound I hear more detail/resolution. I would not be able to hear as much detail/resolution without this enhanced imaging.

And so now I hear of audiophiles who claim imaging is not important and/or not on high on their list of priorities. I theorize that without high imaging capabilities one cannot achieve maximum resolution from their system.

I recently saw a thread on holographic imaging, some argue this is not present in live music. I totally disagree, live sound lives in physical space, physical space is defined by three dimensions (at least three we've been able to detect), sound is by definition, holographic.

IMO, audio systems must maximize image dimensionality in order to be both high resolution and more lifelike. While I agree that other aspects of audio reproduction are critically important, ie. tonality, dynamics, continuousness, etc., so is imaging.
sns
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
when listening to music there is a a "level" of clarity. unfortunately i think most stereo systems sound clearer than what i would observe at a concert hall.
i do not want to hear the turning of pages, the movement of a chair, as such non musical "data" is distracting. at a distance from the source of the music, i would not hear these non-musical "sounds".

i do not notice an image at a concert hall. it sounds more like mono, than stereo. i don't notice the spacing that some audiophiles talk about when they listen to recordings.

for me, the closer to live, the better.
acoustat6
357 posts
 
Hi Mr T, have you ever thought of putting both of your speakers side by side in the middle of the room, IE: just move them close together, as opposed to usual distance spread apart? I would think that that would give you what you are "looking" for.

Any thoughts on this, by youself or anyone else?
Bob
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,619 posts
 
Imaging live is different than imaging from 2 speakers but there is imaging occurring nonetheless in both cases.

I have heard systems morph as Wavetrader describes. I often wonder though how much of it is the system itself changing as opposed to our ears adapting and tuning in to the new sound? I suspect it is some of both in most cases.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>it sounds more like mono, than stereo<<

How is that surprising? Stereo by definition is 2 separate and distinct sources. Everything you hear emanates from 2 source points.

In a concert hall every instrument is a source point. Your ears cannot process dozens of points as precisely as they process 2.

It's no wonder your preferences are so bizarre.
sns OP
4,218 posts
 
Back to live music and imaging. I've lived in Ann Arbor, Mi. environs my entire life. Living so near the University Of Michigan has allowed me the opportunity to hear countless musical performances by UM music school students.

The music is generally classical, groupings cover the whole gamut, all the way from orchestral to soloist. There are many venues to choose from, with acoustics ranging from world class to hopeless. Since most are free, I can choose to sit wherever I like, I'm pretty sure I've sat in nearly every possible position. Sound reinforcement varies from minimal miking to natural acoustic.

The variability in imaging at these concerts is astounding! Yes, there can be more of a flat perspective with the large symphony playing very dense and dynamic pieces. But with smaller ensembles, and even the symphony playing more intimate pieces, there is a multitude of imaging effects. Live music can cover the broad spectrum of imaging effects, from holographic to dead flat, it is all there.

For anyone to say audio reproduction should not try to mirror these imaging effects is preposterous! You are simply missing out on part of the musical event with lesser imaging.

As to what Learsfool hears as far as tonality and image specicifity, I hear the exact same thing. I do think one has to train themselves to hear these things. My early training came from Jimmy, my audiophile/sound reinforcement friend, and later on, music appreciation courses at UM.
More to discover