How much “suspension of disbelief do you need?”

sgreg1,

”If you think your listening skills are superior to all others and only you can hear that difference goid for you. The rest of us will just enjoy the music the way we like it,”

I don’t know where you get that impression.  I’ve never said or implied that. 
What is the goal of an audiophile or “high fidelity” if not fidelity to the real thing?  
Otherwise you can just listen with a table radio.

Yes, SELF DECEPTION is the point. This suspension of DIS belief helps create a feeling of the real thing. Just like in a movie or play. We know what’s happening on the screen or stage is not actually taking place but we suspend our disbelief so that we can think we’re witnessing something real.
In music this is easier with acoustic instruments or voices. As some have pointed out, coming close to reproducing the sounds from an actual rock concert with electronic instruments is not only almost impossible but maybe not even desirable.
‘The question I’m really posing is how CLOSE to the real thing does the recording have to come so that you can believe it’s in your listening space.
‘Many have said this doesn’t matter for them to enjoy the music. And that’s perfectly understandable if not desirable.  My post is directed at those who do care.

It’s suspending DIS belief.

‘In other words BELIEVING.

I can imagine a real orchestra playing before me on many recordings (especially those with mini miking.) if I close my eyes. It isn’t a real orchestra in my listening room so much as the sound coming from a seat in the front of the balcony. At that location it isn’t so loud. After all, a lot of sound is dissipated in a large hall. I can hear the layout of the orchestra from side to side with the instruments in their proper space.
No, of course it’s not the real thing, but, it’s so close, I can trick myself into thinking I’m really there.

Riccitone,

Excellent response!