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 3 responses by rcprince

Sometimes it is the type/quality of amplifier driving the speakers that can make the difference.  As an example, I heard the large TAD speakers driven by a solid state amplifier that did everything "correctly" but sounded cold and clinical when I listened to music; when the amp was switched out for a hybrid tubed amplifier the sound came to life and was involving, something I could happily live with.

Good post, Hazyj.  OK if you don't make up your mind.  At this stage in my life, I guess I'm for the emotional connection over the possibly more accurate one.
I'll also add that "accurate" is not necessarily conveying the music as intended, but rather the RECORDING as produced.  Not always the same thing, as a number of posters have touched on.  There are a lot of old recordings (in classical, early DG and some Columbias come to mind) with great performances but questionable sonics which can sound very moving on a low-to-mid fi system but will make your ears bleed on a system with flat frequency response.