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What does “musicality” really mean?

After 50+ years in this hobby, I realised that many reviewers use musicality to describe a warm system. Warmth often comes from extra even-order harmonics, softer transients, and a bit of mid-bass lift. Pleasant for vocals, but it can also hide detail and affect timing, especially with strings and percussion.

 

I also found that “sterile” sound usually points to room issues or system matching, not the recording. Engineers don’t master music to sound lifeless.

 

These days, if I want warmth, I just play music that naturally has it, instead of relying on equipment to add coloration.

 

hkcharlie
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,492 posts
 

To me it is the emotional connection and consists of midrange bloom (meaning not a artificially lean midrange... starved from the solid state gear or emphasis on detail in the design for components) and good rhythm and pace. 

It sounds like music... as if you were there... want to close your eyes and get lost in it, instead of turning on you analytical side and touring tons of details like people moving their feet and squeaky kick drums. 

kennymacc
728 posts
 

"Musicality is/means whatever the individual listener/audiophile wants it to mean/is. Happy listening.

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,783 posts
 

To me musicality sounds (and feels)  more like the real thing.

That seems like a description of accuracy. smiley

Musicality is/means whatever the individual listener/audiophile wants it to mean/is.

Works for me.

mapman's avatar
mapman
23,618 posts
 

Easily measured. The more time you spend listening happily  the more musical it is. 

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
2,033 posts
 

I guess warm natural sound would do it.

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