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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
mylogic
838 posts
 

Musicality has nothing to do with hot and cold when listening, unless you love the sound of the air con.

 

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kerrybh
671 posts
 

To me, I think it means the faithful (to the extent possible) reproduction of the recording. Given that the recording is the music is presented to your system, I don't know what else it could mean. It is the absence of artifacts that can produce top end glare, which some hear as detail and may actually enjoy. Its also the absence of the sweet or veiled sound that some systems produce that some may enjoy, but is a departure from the music.

Beyond that, I think its one of the many audiophile terms that have no universal definition-audiophiles tend to backfit these terms to match what they like-or don't.

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,681 posts
 

Musicality is what causes the release of endorphins when listening to music.

mylogic
838 posts
 

I tend to agree with the above. 🐬🐬

Dolphins released into the wild after close contact with humans can have great musicality. I wonder if because of any hi-fi influences, they may not sound as cold or screechy as their born free cousins.

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