2. misc-audio
  3. 190193-1069

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.

mrdecibel

Showing 1 response by woofman74

woofman74's avatar
woofman74
45 posts
 

This is beginning to sound like a circular argument.  
 I care about music.  And I care about sound, as a path to creating a more connected, more enjoyable listening experience.  That’s always been the case, even before I had the knowledge or wherewithal to indulge my passion.  
 

I also believe we have come along way, baby.  What I mean is, we lose sight of the fact that the quality of modern gear in general is pretty good.  
It has been true for some time now that even mediocre gear has reasonably good frequency response.  What it takes for gear to stand out today is a more lifelike presentation.  Whether we are talking about soundstage dimensions, or placement the of musicians across a stereo image or the realism of a bow on strings or the impact of percussion - these are the things that elevate listening at home.  They are not so easily achieved either.  Fine frequency response is not enough.  You need more of all of these elements, and some I’ve neglected to mention of course, to have a better than average system.  
That’s where a focus on sound quality has relevancy and value.  
 

When a reviewer tells me a certain piece of kit helped him achieve a greater connection to the artist or to his art, well that’s just a high compliment.  If it happens to be a tune I’m familiar with, then we have a common reference point.  And if I’ve been moved in a similar way by that artist or that tune, then he and I also now have a connection too.  And I have come a step closer to a better understanding of their perspective.  

For me, listening is an escape.  When I catch myself focusing on the sound instead of the music, unless it’s because something is wrong, I attempt to refocus on what’s important: the melody, the lyric, the voice, the mood, the energy.  You get the idea.  

 

 

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