What sonic characteristics matter the most?


When you listen to the overall sonic signature of your system which specific characteristics [ timbres, details,transparency, mico/maco-dynamics, imagining/soundstage, prat, low frequency reponse,etc.]are the most important and least important regarding your highest level of relaxation and pleasure of the music you are playing at that moment? I also would be very interested if you GON members would not only share what are your priorities on this topic, but the underlying reasons for these priorities. I think it will be fascinating to see how similar or divergent we are in what matters the most or the least regarding these characteristics in the sound of our systems. Thanks to all who are willing to share.
teajay
Tonal balance is of utmost importance to me. If the bass is boomy, the highs accentuated or the mids recessed I can't even begin to listen. Higher mid anomolies are especially bothersome! It seems that when the tonal balance is off I'm constantly distracted by that imbalance and can't fully immerse myself into the music. Psycho-acoustical issues I suppose, a gross deviation from the natural acoustic?
After that it becomes a close call, everything matters and if any specific characteristic begins to annoy I have to fix it.
timbres. It has to sound like the instrument that is being reproduced, in a natural sounding, effortless way. That allows me (At least for me) to suspend disbelief. I can forgive everything else if this is done right. This is why I gravitate towards planars, tubes, and analog. For me, it just gets the "tone" right.
I'll agree with Aroc and add bass done properly which to me means proper weight. Also agree that planars tend to sound more real than cones for accuracy.
This is a great question! It should have received more response. I admit, I don’t know how to explain what I like with the right words but I can try to give you an idea at least.
My first priority is the 3D/holographic imaging/soundstage. When I hear Bon Iver as if his voice is in the air right in front of me, I am happy. However, my system also needs to give me the soul of his voice. I am not after perfectly clear and detailed sound.
Separation of the instruments is another thing I value. I like to hear the piano way to the left and violin all the way to the right.
Romantic/natural sound is also another one I go after. I want to be able to relax when I hear the music. Bright sound, I cannot do.
Bass, I am not too crazy about. My speakers don’t have to go all low low. I can live with limited bass.
If I have to tell you few brands maybe you may have better idea about my taste.
Magnepan, Harbeth, Sonus Faber, Pass Labs and you will be surprised but amps with Tripath chip amps. I am not too familiar with their current models but these brands always gave me good sound. Whenever I owned these brands at my home, I stopped criticizing my system and just listen to music.
Currently, I have Harbeth SHL5 (not Plus), Topping TP60 Tripath integrated (I know you are like this guy doesn’t know anything:) ), Museatex Bitstream DAC. I will replace the DAC and just got LTA MZ2 pre and will DIY board amp with double Tripath TA2022 chip. Yes, I like Tripath chip that much:)
If you want to impress me with your super duper high-end brands which sound bright and detailed, no thanks!