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The sense of smell evokes memories, while the sense of hearing evokes emotions

MrD, you touched upon this in your recent post.
I thought it was a subject worth discussing here.
Music can move us through emotional connection, it is well known.
A question for all of you.
Does playing your music on your system increase emotional connection more than playing it through a less HiFi system? 
One aspect of audio equipment marketing is for it's technical ability to bring us closer to the music by "getting out of the way" disappearing as some reviewers say. Suppose there was a speaker or amp that excelled in providing emotional connection, but measured poorly. Would you be willing to disregard the measurements and just go with your ears or  your heart and soul? I believe that SET / horns systems are an example of this. This is not about promoting SET / horns, but just brought up as an example that some people may have already reached this conclusion. Just my thoughts, I welcome civilized and rational comments. I am open to those with a deeper understanding of this subject.
Dennis

capstan

Showing 4 responses by n80

n80
2,133 posts
 
geoffkait, I've found that a glass of good bourbon or Scotch works as well. I'm serious.
n80
2,133 posts
 
I like old blues recordings. The emotional content of such music is its strong point. I do not appreciate it any more on my hi-fi system than I do my "low-fi" system.

I also like some totally throw away pop music. With some of that the system doesn’t make a lot of difference to me either.

But I want to listen to Steely Dan, Rush, Floyd and Dire Straits on my hi-fi.

Also agree with above regarding context. I’m a bit of a foodie and amateur cook. But when I’m down at my country place I can enjoy and even relish a can of Vienna sausages with a Budweiser and a pile of Cheetos on a paper plate.
n80
2,133 posts
 
It is my brief experience that this IS a music lovers forum. At least there are some devoted, knowledgeable, articulate and sincere music lovers here.

And I feel like some of us did answer your question. At least I thought so. And I think maybe the answer is, it all depends.

As mentioned, some forms of very emotionally charged music, especially raw, simple, even primitive music do not require high end specs to move me.

There are certain symphonies that move me emotionally regardless of the system they are played on, but they do have more impact when played via a hi-fi system that fills the room with volume and richness. Likewise with an album like The Wall. 

I think it is also important to remember that we can physically feel music aside from with our ears. This is in part a product of volume. That level of volume from a low-fi system can be distracting and unpleasant.

But, specifically to your question: As a long time music lover but a new audiophile, I couldn't care less about specs. Heck, I don't understand most of them. If the music moves me it moves me.
n80
2,133 posts
 
It was, in fact, owned by my brother-in-law, and at this very moment there is a brilliant blue sports car sitting in the tractor shed. On weekends I often take it for a spin at insane speeds.Have never encountered a two lane wide air car but on occasion encounter Ferraris and Porsches.

Sorry to the OP for the diversion....but talk about a song with strong emotional content with the drums and bass that causes "adrenaline surges" at proper volume that does indeed get better with a good system!
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