Great topic sunnyjim, with a lot to of interesting and informative responses. After way too many years of pursuing the audiophile nirvana of uber resolution, detail and precision I'm enjoying a more "real" sound that emphasizes dynamics, tone and presence....i.e., recreating a live performance. Obviously what constitutes a live performance will be different for everyone and I'm not advocating one type of sound or system over another but sunnyjim hit the nail on the head for me......an emotional and engaging sound instead of a clinically accurate sound. Whether I'll achieve it or not remains to be seen, but Jeff Days blog has me pointed in the right direction with vintage WE14ga speaker wire and Belden 8402 interconnects and I absolutely love the sound from them. Vintage RCA tubes for my pre amp are on the way with vintage tube amps and Altec speakers on the horizon. The vintage gear appeals to me for a number of reasons. They seem to impart that involving, emotional connection to music. They're relatively affordable.....and they're as old as I am! I'm not saying vintage gear is the only way to achieve an emotionally engaging sound, it's just the way the appeals to my sensibilities and pocket book. Many years ago a local audio specialist asked me whether I was looking to enjoy music or sound. I didn't really understand the question all those years ago and only recently have, hence this topic hitting home with me. There's no right or wrong....good or bad....just whatever makes you happy. I enjoyed the so called audiophile sound for many, many years and now I'm not enjoying a more live, emotionally engaging, real sound. It's all good!
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.