Ultimately it's all about the music. That's where it begins and ends. Accuracy should, in theory get you closer to the music but I've seen people get lost on that journey because the sum of all parts doesn't come out sounding the way it should. When modifying old gear I have often found that one part (resostprs. ca[s. wire, etc) can make it seem like you've gotten one step closer but the fine balance is that you really need to commit and go all the way (spend the big bucks) to get to accuracy AND musicality whereas you might find the slight tonal characteristic of one capacitor brings everything back into cohesiveness and "musicality" where you actually want to listen for hours without being overly analytical. I've been lucky enough to have experienced systems which were arguably very high on both accuracy AND musicality but that really required everything to gel and we're talking $$$$. Great systems can get you 90% of the way there and still retain the pleasant factor and that's really what it's all about.
Accuracy vs. musicality
I imagine if you have an unlimited budget you can have both ultimate accuracy and musicality.
For those of us whose budget is somewhat limited, we usually have to make a choice.
I very recently obtained speakers (which I prefer not to name so as to avoid debate. Some of you do know them.) These speakers were criticized by an Agoner for not being accurate.
Now, I heard the speakers he liked better and they we’re fine, and maybe more “etched,” but they did not convey the musical message as well to me. Indeed I compared many such speakers recommended by members (there was little love for mine) and I found them not to have the sound I hear in a concert hall. They did not communicate to me as well.
So, what’s more important: precise accuracy or musicality?
For those of us whose budget is somewhat limited, we usually have to make a choice.
I very recently obtained speakers (which I prefer not to name so as to avoid debate. Some of you do know them.) These speakers were criticized by an Agoner for not being accurate.
Now, I heard the speakers he liked better and they we’re fine, and maybe more “etched,” but they did not convey the musical message as well to me. Indeed I compared many such speakers recommended by members (there was little love for mine) and I found them not to have the sound I hear in a concert hall. They did not communicate to me as well.
So, what’s more important: precise accuracy or musicality?