Redkiwi, I like your final test of being "swept away by the music." My wife consistently talks about "the gestalt" of the musical experience whenever we listen critically together. And I agree. The overall experience is what I ultimately listen for - if the experience as a whole doesn't result in being "swept away by the music," it is readily apparent that something is missing from the system. In our case, though, we tend to start with the overall experience, and then objectify to make sure we understand what is causing the good results. If a "new to us" system is not giving us good results at that gestalt level, we tend to simply move on and not expend any more energy on it.
"Pace", it's importance for enjoyment?
The English press have used the term of "pace" to identify
what, I think, is a very important quality in the enjoyment
of an audio device. I have never had speakers, wires or
amplification have as much impact on this feeling of "pace"
(or I should say, lack of it)
as digital source components seem to have. Is this part
of where high-rez..SACD and DVD-A..provide an imporvement
over redbook? Too often I have had high-end cd players and
DACs provide detail..but lack the ability to let me enjoy
the listening. If there is any one thing I can point to
in vinyl vs. redbook, it is that quality of "pace". What
are your thoughts?
what, I think, is a very important quality in the enjoyment
of an audio device. I have never had speakers, wires or
amplification have as much impact on this feeling of "pace"
(or I should say, lack of it)
as digital source components seem to have. Is this part
of where high-rez..SACD and DVD-A..provide an imporvement
over redbook? Too often I have had high-end cd players and
DACs provide detail..but lack the ability to let me enjoy
the listening. If there is any one thing I can point to
in vinyl vs. redbook, it is that quality of "pace". What
are your thoughts?