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Evaluating a system - what do you listen for?

I have been in this hobby a long time and my opinion of what I want to hear in reproduced music continues to evolve. Having owned many systems - and critically listened to many, many more - I am now looking for an overall sound that as accurately as possible captures the tone and tempo of the music with enough of a bass foundation to convincingly portray an orchestra at full tilt or club beats while still nailing the timbre of an upright bass. Decent portrayal of leading and trailing edges is nice, and a high end that’s fully present and balanced without stridency is a big plus. Detail’s good, but hyper detail without musical flow can be distracting. Airy treble and pinpoint or large soundstage are also nice to have, but if what’s coming out of the speakers doesn’t make me want to tap my toe or cry a little bit when a vocalist holds a note just so, then what’s the point? That’s what I’m looking for these days - what about you?
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mward
102 posts
 
At this point in my hi-fi journey, the best system is the one that reveals the talent of the musicians  and the instruments they play. 

When I consider upgrading my system, I want new components that will reveal more of what the musicians are holding in their hands.  I want to hear what their instruments are made of and the sound of their bodies on those instruments.  And I want it in a natural and realistic way.    The last part makes it a difficult dream to achieve.    Is it possible to have ultimate detail while maintaining ultimate realism?
jafant
18,809 posts
 
Yes, it is possible to achieve the 'Absolute' sound- mward.
raymonda
855 posts
 
The problem with what many say they are looking for is that the recording may not contain it. Mainly, you really can only hope for truth to the source with no limitaions or added distortions. Your system can be a window to the source, Alhough, some systems will create a better illusion of 3 dimensional space, and, within this is where the devil with the details lives.

2channel8
753 posts
 
Very interesting discussion. Thanks for the thread, @knownothing .

I am not going to go into a lot of detail with terms that don't have precise definitions; but I really like the sound of my system. The only thing that occasionally causes me to cringe is accentuation of sibilants. While I believe that they are in the recording for the most part , I was wondering if there are ways to tone them down without changing the overall reproduction to a great extent.
fedie
60 posts
 
My hearing isnt isn't what it use to be but music will always be a window to the soul which is what it's all about ....enjoy

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