Here’s the thing… if an instrument or voice is recorded, it’s processed. Period. There will always be some sort of EQ, effects or otherwise present on any recording. The only exceptions are recordings done in halls with open room mics. Even then, the type of mics and other room anomalies are tweaked in mixing/mastering. It’s just the way it is. The key, as mentioned above is, no need to over analyze the thing. If it sounds good to you, in your space, golden.
How can a system be judged with highly processed, non acoustic music?
I basically know what an instrument or human voice sounds like. I understand that almost all recordings, analog or digital, go through some level of processing. I also know that there are many, many recordings which strive to present a natural, real sound. To me, I can best judge a system playing lightly or non processed acoustic music.
This is also my preference for listening in general. And for me, it is vinyl.
This is also my preference for listening in general. And for me, it is vinyl.