Brian, you would be surprised at the number of folks I interact with, many admitting to putting the musicianship and the composition 2nd in what he/she listens for, and those, that do not admit to it. I admire your passion, and your work, but I started this thread because of my point. I have my specialty, although not as high on the bar as yours, so if you feel I am not smart, that is your prerogative. But, at my end, you are blind as to what I am experiencing out here in the high end audio world. I have nothing more to say, other than keep up the great work! My best, always, MrD.
So, a reviewer just said something I need to talk about.
I will not mention the reviewer, nor the specific equipment being reviewed, but this statement was made, talking about sax and strings: "the strings had real body, and it sounded like real strings being played". The tonality of the instruments was what he/she was talking about. I get this. The tone, the spatiality of the instruments, the stage that was presented. All well and good. What about the engagement between the listener and the musician. I have stated so many times here, ad nauseam, that the most important aspect of music listening, for me (and not enough with other listeners) is the "playing of the instruments". The artistry of the musician behind those strings. I just don’t get it. When I listen to Jeff Beck (RIP), using him as an example, what I am attracted to, FIRST & FOREMOST, is his PLAYING. Reviewers talk about "sound". Most people here talk about "sound". I spend more time now on other sites, that speak about the music playing and, the compositions. For whatever reasons, I seem to be realizing, that A’gon members, as so many reviewers, talk about sound. They very rarely mention MY most important aspect of listening. The musicianship and the compositions. Another rant from me. What are your thoughts on this? How do you listen? What do you listen for/to? What does your system convey to you? I know I am out of line again, but........My best to everyone. Always, MrD.
Showing 7 responses by mrdecibel
@mike_in_nc +1 my man! @bolong, very honest and real. He was inviting them to hear his/their playing. @hilde45 "the ability to hear the strings and body of the violin creates a conduit to hear the musician, to resonate with their intent and emotion". As @mike_in_nc stated, not everyone is into the "music", but enjoy the sound. Interesting that I can so much enjoy hearing Sticky Fingers in my car, or on the pool deck, and experience as much musical enjoyment as when I am sitting in my sweet spot. What does this say about me? My system sucks?, I am deaf? Or I REALLY love the music. Some here, can only enjoy music through their system (main rig), and with only the best "sounding" recordings, ex. Chesky, RR, Sheffield, you get the point. Sad. And if you are one of them, that places " sound" 1st, Sad. Have a good day. Enjoy! MrD. |
@wolf_garcia "It would be ridiculous to judge any music for sound instead of musicianship". "Do people actually do that?" EXACTLY my point ! Yes wolf, there are many. Too many in fact, which I find sad. However, if they are enjoying their systems, who am I to suggest to them what to listen for. I know what to listen for to satisfy my enjoyment, as everyone does in their own way. ymmv. My best, MrD. |
@audphile1 +1, very nicely said, but "Keith Don't Go" is also a standout to Nil's musicianship and virtuosity as a guitar player and singer. As I still communicate with many of my customers whom I’ve consulted with and folks I have met since, there IS a change over from listening to the musicianship, to listening to the gear. This has been proven time and time again, from my personal observations. When someone makes a statement that to them a recording is poor, they will not listen to it, especially through there rig, I feel sad, for them. So much "magic" from these musicians. I listen to bootlegs of various artists that are recorded poorly, based on audiophile standards, but damn, the musicianship is GREAT. I understand, really I do, but many moons ago, it was all about the music. It is now, all about the sound (for the greater majority of listeners). I will restrain (at least I will try) from harping on this. Those folks who listen to the music 1st, and those folks who listen to the gear 1st, know who they are. As I have stated, if the enjoyment is there, so be it, and that IS what it’s all about. So, thank you all for participating and interacting with me. My best to everyone. MrD. |
@brianlucey , I respect your knowledge and appreciate your response, as I agree with almost everything you said. But the truth is for many listeners, the sound is 1st, and the performance is 2ndary. People are specifically interested in spatiality, imaging and musician localization, the abbreviation is sound staging. Where they (the musicians) are located on a stage; how large is the stage; how close can the listener get to the stage. I do question you statement "being good at playing instruments is really not that important". Totally disagree with you. From your position, can you take a mediocre guitar riff and make it better somehow through electronic manipulation? Autotune does this for vocalists. I am excepting that people are enjoying listening to music for all sorts of reasons, and it does not need to coincide with mine. My purpose in enjoying the music I listen to, 1st and foremost, is the performance...the musicianship and the composition. Listening to "Can't You Hear Me Knocking", am I mistaking that the musicianship is not real, and I am listening to studio manipulation to enhance the "playing". Is Mick Taylor not at his best laying down his guitar track. Maybe, because when I saw the Stones live when he was still in the band, his solo work was not quite as good, though still enjoyable. If all of the musicians I enjoy listening to are being manipulated at your end to sound their best, well I am disappointed that I am being fooled. My best, always, MrD. |