Live music is quite variable in its experience just as our systems are. I have been to hundreds of live musical events in my 30 years of adulthood. Sitting high up in the nose-bleed of a 20,000 arena listening to a band plan is more about being there than the sound of the music. Sitting in the 2,500 seat Orpheum Theater here in downtown Memphis is a huge leap but still doesn't match my system. I actually saw a band there a few years ago and had listened to them at home many times. I was constantly comparing the sound of the concert song to my memory at home. I even came home and listened to one of the albums after the concert and had the volume up louder than usual and it was far superior. When you get into the really small venue with minimal amplification then you really start to hear the instruments. Alejandro Escovedo used to do a lot of bar concerts with his string quartet. His finale was an amazing song where they would unplug and come off stage into the crowd. They created a circle where I was the 6th member of that circle. I still get chills thinking about that experience as it brought tears to my eyes. I don't ever hope for my stereo to create a true live event, but I am always analyzing the individual instruments and voices to sound realistic as if they were in my room. That is what I believe we are all here for. God I love music! I went on a 2nd date tonight...I started laughing during dinner because she said, "I never listen to music". I like her and am taking this as a challenge to open her eyes.
The Absolute Sound vs Pleasing Sound
I have changed my mind about this over the years. The absolute sound (closest to real live music) just can't be accomplished even though I have heard some spectacular systems that get close on some music. So years ago I changed my system to give me the sound I wanted. I'm much happier now and all my music collection can be enjoyed for what it is: Recorded music.