Just a comment on volume - My local symphony is about 110 musicians and they play in a 900 seat theater. From my seats dead center 10-12 rows back, the volume is perfect and sonically wonderful. I just started going last year, inspired by my audiophilia, and it's true, there is nothing better than a live performance of unamplified music.
My audiophile take on the symphony last night.
65 piece Santa Cruz Symphony at the Civic Auditorium.
My wife said it wasn't loud enough and I agreed. The highs were rolled off and there wasn't an expansive soundstage. I couldn't "hear behind the instruments" like I can at home on the hifi. The soloist sounded small and far away and the bass drum lacked definition.
In spite of all that we were listening to a live and real performance. Our seats were the highest price available.
This was very interesting, intriguing and food for thought audio-wise. Also great people watching.
My wife said it wasn't loud enough and I agreed. The highs were rolled off and there wasn't an expansive soundstage. I couldn't "hear behind the instruments" like I can at home on the hifi. The soloist sounded small and far away and the bass drum lacked definition.
In spite of all that we were listening to a live and real performance. Our seats were the highest price available.
This was very interesting, intriguing and food for thought audio-wise. Also great people watching.