My audiophile take on the symphony last night.

The Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium is NOT a good place to see a symphony. Much better would be the San Jose Center for Performing Arts, or better yet, Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco.

On the other hand, seeing Smashing Pumpkins at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium a few years ago was great, (of course one had to be in the crush of humanity on the floor in order to get good sound!) And the other event I saw there as a full contact karate event many, many years ago. Given the last two events I mentioned, it probably goes to show you that the Santa Cruz Civic is not exactly a perfect symphony hall! ;-)

My two cents worth.

Bizango1, I hate to burst your bubble, but Frogman couldn't have said it better. Hi-Fidelity means being faithful to the original performance.

Chayro, I can identify with that statement

I live in Seattle and the acoustics at Benaroya Hall are excellent. With that said, I still have my preference regarding seating position. Even though the sound is pretty clear in all locations, if I'm too far back the orchestra sounds small and the soloist diminished. I prefer to be about 1/3 the way back in the hall. Besides locational preferences, the other issues you mention (e.g. rolled off highs) may be associated with hall acoustics. One thing I enjoy doing from time to time is sitting close up front. If you want soundstage, you'll get it there! A massive 180 degree side-to-side positioning of sound - and you can close your eyes and let your brain try to locate what you are hearing. Front to back soundstage may be lost somewhat, but it's alot of fun!

Herman, I think your confusing imaging with soundstage.