Striking a balance between musicality and resolution

@carlos269  I think you have set up a false choice. People have different preferences in audio components just as they have different preferences in what flavor ice cream they like, what clothes they wear, etc. Some people really love the sound of Focal speakers. They sure sell a lot of of them. On the other hand, some find them bright and fatiguing. Some people love the sound of Sonos Faber speakers. Some people find them too soft and warm.
 

I understand that “some of us believe that some things are better than others” I think we all have those beliefs, but I wouldn’t begin to assert that lwhst is “better” to my ears and taste is true for everyone. If someone has cracked that code, and has the system that is universally the “best“ there’s an awful lot of money to be made out there. The sheer diversity of the products available in the marketplace is pretty compelling evidence that there is no universal “best.”

 

I don’t think there is an objective truth that applies universally to everyone. You and I have proved that point, I think, as we obviously hear Zellaton speakers differently. I wouldn’t try to convince you that the way you hear them is “wrong“, that would be truly stupid since I can’t hear through your ears, and the fact that you don’t care for them wont diminish my enjoyment in the least- each to their own. 

When I express an opinion on components, first, I make sure it is somethingI’ve actually heard, and I try to always say “to my ears.” Because it is an objective truth that is all any of us can say with any authority. What I can say about Zellaton is that at the price they provide the best performance to my ears of the speakers I’ve heard. I would never say that my judgment is somehow universally correct for everyone, that would be the pinnacle of arrogance. So, if they don’t do it for you, I’m sure you found something that does. Not surprising, otherwise there would only be about one brand of speaker. 

so, I think you and I and everyone else can say with authority what components combine to produce the sound that we find most pleasing from the range of the components we have actually heard. What I can’t do, and neither can anyone else with any authority, is tell someone else what sounds best to their ears. 

 
in terms of “what we are doing here“ I guess everyone gets to answer that for themselves. What I’m trying to do is pretty simple- assemble a system that provides me the most enjoyment for the resources I’m willing and able to put toward that goal. I assume that’s what most of us are doing.  What I have may not suit you at all which, presumably, explains why there are so many choices available in the marketplace. 
 

I do think the notion that there is some perfect reproduction of recorded music is specious. The music as produced by the artist has already been altered in various ways long before it ever reaches our system. 
 

@rauliruegas  I remember when you first came on the scene. I remember the phonostage that you designed and built back in those days. 

We share some commonalities but where we diverge is that I am not locked to the commercial recordings as they were commercially released. I have an understanding, techniques, and tools to adjust the source material, to remaster per se, to extract additional low level & inner detail, nuance and modify the presentation.

The  quality of the source material is the single most dominant factor in the resultant sound’s qualities and when you have control and the ability to improve, to your ears, the source material then you can yield profound changes in the resultant sound and achieve sound qualities that match or approach your ideals and target sound.

You don’t have to accept the recordings as they are. It all starts with having a good understanding of the elements at play in sound reproduction.

I always find discussions of versions of this topic pretty interesting, mainly because it is interesting to me to hear how people with huge amounts of experience, who have dedicated thousands of hours deciding what sound they like and what gear can best create it in their rooms describe the sounds of equipment that they like.  But I am lost by the OP’s request to have @ghdprentice upload a recording of his system. Am i missing something here?  Even if brother Prentice had a suite of the highest quality professional recording equipment and the time, desire and ability to upload a link to a recording at 192kHz/24-bit (or better) quality, wouldn’t its sound be that of whatever gear we or the OP played it back on?  Isn’t that the whole topic under discussion?

@kirkwallace You know what I find interesting is that we accept commercial audio recordings as the basis for this hobby and take them as accurate records of the recording session, but we dismiss audio recordings of our on system. With a background in physics and electrical engineering and haven’t spent seven years immersed in the high-end mastering studio world, I can tell you that you underestimate how much information those recordings of our systems can provide and covey. If you value minimalist recording techniques then the audio recording of our home systems from the listening chair position is as minimalist as it gets. Have you ever recorded your system? I do all the time, I have included some audio recordings of a couple of my systems in the links above. I find these audio recordings representative of the sound in the room. I think that it is a crutch and excuses. We all spend a lot of money on our systems and it leaves me dumbfounded how many lack the confidence and conviction to make a simple audio recording of their system from the listening position and share it with others. What are you afraid of? Please share an audio recording of your system. Step up and let us hear what you have been able to achieve.

I would have to say I get every type of sound reproduction being discussed from the same system.  As the source material, IMHO, plays the largest part on how any recording will sound.  Sometimes I can believe I'm in an intimate club and the trio is live on stage in front of me.  Other recordings simply don't bring this and no amount or equipment is going to change that fact.  Would I ever want a less resolving system?  NO.  would I prefer that all recordings could meet the highest standards?  YES.