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Distortions that the human ear likes. Are there any ?

This is based on a post from another thread, where someone speaking to a studio mastering engineer, repeated a quote by this engineer, stating " most audiophiles like certain distortions ", and it quickly started a debate. I did not want to continue this on the other thread, as it had little to do with the OP's direction on his thread. What say you, Geoff, George, Almarq, Ralph, anybody......if this thread goes nowhere, I can always have it removed. Enjoy ! MrD.
mrdecibel
cd318
2,636 posts
 
@tatyana69, you're not the only one sceptical about the use of record player pucks.

Adding weight directly above the main bearing seems counter intuitive to say the least. On so many levels. 

I think the Rega and Technics decks get bearing/weight ratio just about right. Neither see the need for pucks.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
Nelson Pass has been investigating the subject of "pleasant distortion." He made a presentation on the subject at the 2017 Burning Amp Festival. Here's a rundown on what he's been up to:
https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/the-pass-h2-harmonic-generator/

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Whoa! I remember him from Crosby, Stills and Nash. Rock on!
rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 
I guess the question comes down to: How do you like your truth?.
cd318
2,636 posts
 
A touch of reverb almost always seems to be universally preferred. The so called singing in a tiled bathroom effect.

I wonder why? Could it be that it somehow makes us feel safer?

Or is it some otherworldly dreamlike quality that we like.

Even better than real life?

Perhaps that's why Pop music has been processed in some way or other for decades. Some of the artists have enjoyed more than a little vocal assistance.
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