Speakers that are very accurate sounding but don't produce an emotional connection.


I have listened to a few speakers over the years that impressed me with their accuracy and presentation of the music, but just did not create an emotional response or connection. I have often wondered what that quality is in some speakers that produce an emotional connection with the listener. This quality has been identified by audiophiles, as "magical", "engaging"  "just right"  "euphonic"  "natural"  "true to life". " "satisfying"  "musical"....  I am sure there are at least 50  other  adjectives that could describe this "quality" of  sound . 

Considering the various aspects  of achieving  good and accurate sound by component synergy, is there a way to explain this so-called magical element that often eludes so many of us??.  I don't think such a feeling is temporal, conditioned by personal moods, or the phases of the moon or sun.  

Like to hear from members who have given some thought to the same issue.    Thanks,  Jim   

BTW, I know the thread is a bit out there, but  I don't think the topic is pointlessly pursuing the genie in the bottle. 


sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by dalecrommie

As with all audio 'chat', it may be interesting, but trying to explain your nervous system, and how it 'sums up' to your perceptions, is kind of folly.  But, in the spirit of audio chat, my recent drastic improvement in my system, to the point where I am extremely content, involved replacing the capacitors in the crossover, which were middle of the road, with Jantzen Audio Superior-Z Caps.  It cost me $500, but it was the last chink in what should be an exceptional 'Horn' system, composed of Volti Audio, McIntosh Mc-30s, McIntosh MEN-220, and MCD-500.  I absolutely love my electronics, but without the 'best' Caps prior to the drivers, there simply is not the possibility of getting 'there'.  Of course, I could spend $1500 on the Caps, and purchase the best Mundorf, but for me, I have reached my level of saturated contentment......and the rest, for me, is folly. :)
But, my feelings might be a bit different, if it were possible to actually hear some of the speakers that have my attention, such as Harbeth or Devore 0/96.  Being that this is such an expensive hobby/passion, I ain't laying down the money to purchase, and then being 'stuck' with the item.  I have sold, and lost a bunch of money, on used speakers.  It becomes even more of a pain when no one is purchasing audio for realistic prices, or at least what I see as realistic.