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Definition of "too Hi-Fi"

On numerous occasions others have described a speaker (or other component) as sounding “too Hi-Fi.” What does this mean? Isn't that exactly the goal? Doesn't High Fidelity mean faithful to the original, i.e., sounds like live music, live instruments, or a fool the ear impression of “I'm there,” or “they're here?” It seems contradictory to criticize something for being too close to perfection. Maybe that's taking it too literally. So. . ,

What does “too Hi-Fi” mean to you?
ojgalli

Showing 2 responses by mrtennis

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i have a slightly different take on the phrase. i think "too hi fi" means anything that sounds artifical or not resembling the sound of instruments.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
bartokfan, when you say "fidelity", do you mean faithfulness to the recording or to the sound of instruments ?

neither goal is attainable. it may be esaier to approach what is on the recording than recreate the sound of live music. unfortunately, there is no way to test one's progress with respect to either criterion.
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