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Home HiFi better than Live?

From all the magazines and discussions I have seen, it appears that almost everyone of them compares systems and equipment to Live music as the reference standard. That may be the ultimate comparison but it appears to me that I prefer a good home HiFi setup and well produced software to Live music any day. I have been to numerous concerts and never ever get the feeling that the performers are performing for me alone as I do in my own system. I feel alot more emotional involvement from the entertainers in concerts but I don't feel it is any better sound than my HiFi at home.
Admittedly I will say that I do not have the best sense of hearing every nuance in musical performances but I actually like the way my system make warmer, clearer, and softer sounds than live music. Am I the only person who feels this way?
BTW, my own system consists of Levinson reference components and Amati speakers, the analog part is Oracle, Morch and ZYX, so I may be spoiled a bit in this regard.
fwangfwang

Showing 2 responses by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I use live music as a reference for classical. I am exposed to live music at least once a week; sometimes as much as four times a week.

I have always been doubtful that professional audio reviewers are exposed to that much live music. I think they really rely on their "reference" systems.

But, I'll take the live music, thanks!

I have box seats overlooking the stage at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. To have the BSO, Yuri Temirkanov, and world class artists playing not much further away than my speakers is hard to beat.

In a month, in two different small intimate halls, I'll have Menahem Pressler and the Beaux Arts Trio playing right in front of me.

I will also be on stage perfoming with Dave Brubeck on March 30th.

A CD or LP does not rate when compared to all of the above.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I agree you have to go to a good live concert to make a fair comparison. A crappy concert is the same as a crappy audio system.

They have very nice concerts at the arts center at George Mason University. The accoustics of their beautiful looking hall are terrible. I only go if I decide it is worth the expense to get seats close to the stage, because otherwise is not worth the trip to get bad sound.
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