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Driven to Tears

I'm not referring to the Police classic cut "Driven to Tears." (which I really love) Recently and over time I've been reading posts here about audio systems that can produce music that evokes such emotion it can drive the listener to tears. I want that kind of system some day! I'm wondering, what is the common element to these various posts and audio setups? In my memory it seems that these systems sometimes were tubed based systems. I'm not sure if that's accurate or not. Maybe analog based? But it is has me wondering.

I've not heard that many audio systems and haven't experienced that kind of emotional connection. How many of you have experienced that kind of emotional connection with the music from a high end system? (the beauty of the music drives one to tears) What gear copmprised the system? Was it your system or some other audiophile's? Are tube based audio systems the common element to produce this kind of beauty and emotion or have you heard a solid state system that can connect with the listener on this emotional level? (or analog-based systems?) Have you seen someone's eyes well up with tears because the music eminating from a pair of speakers is so beautiful?
foster_9
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Celine Dion brings me to tears.

And indigestion for that matter.
jswarncke
66 posts
 
Tears, no, but goosebumps with amazing regularity.
stilljd
153 posts
 
Happens all the time. Some music is just emotional to me and can bring either joy or sadness.

Along the lines of what Viridian, Mr. T, and others have said, system is secondary, although certainly enabling.

Back in the late 60's or so, I remember reading in the local paper about a study to understand why loud music was so popular (inspired by Grand Funk Railroad, as I recall). If I remember correctly, the researchers attributed an emotional impact to resonant frequencies within the spinal cord/column that were excited at high SPL's. The spinal "resonant frequency" was different among individuals, but present among most. I don’t know if the hypothesis was ever proven.

I really subscribe to the phenomenon. There are certain passages in music, both vocal and instrumental, that when played loudly will elicit an emotional and physical response for me. Tears of sadness. Tears of joy. And, it is repeatable. It has been so long since I have played an instrument I can’t tell you what note, or range of notes it is. But I know it when I hear it.

System comes into this in this respect. It has to play loud enough, without distortion or distraction, to allow the moment to happen.

Two more things... I can tell you which passages, but they would probably belong in the thread above titled “secret guilty pleasures”… and… a Manhattan or 2, or bottle of Cabernet is also a great enabler.

Jim S.
mgattmch
554 posts
 
I once heard a pair of Apogee Divas being demonstrated with Steely Dan's sweet sixteen. I don't know about tears, but, this was probably one of the best sound systems I have ever heard and it got every bit of my attention. Funny thing is, I am not a great fan of Steely Dan!
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
The Pink Floyd song "Wish You Were Here" does this to me, every time. And it doesn't make any difference what the playback system is. It reminds me of my (late) brother Stevie. He loved Pink Floyd and I dearly loved him. Stevie, I truly Wish You Were Here...

-RW- Tears welling up as I write this.
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