2. misc-audio
  3. 159876-150567

the sound of massed violins in classical orchestral recordings

why do massed violins have this sort of gritty sandpapery reverberation in classical orchestral recordings?even in some sections of a piece, when the violins are playing softly in the background, you hear that gritty overtone more than the melody.when I listen to the Houston symphony in Jones Hall,sitting fourth row, facing the violin section, I don't hear that sound.I have three systems { two of them mid-fi ] and I hear the same thing-even with headphones.in all instances, the other parts of the orchestra are clear.  my main system : Vanalistine Trancendence 10 tube preamp,a 35 year old solid state Proton D1200 amp, [have tried NAD,Project, Musical Fidelity amps--they don't sound any better],Onkyo dx7555 CD player [Stereophile class B],and Project Carbon turntable with Grado Black 2 cartridge [ the Ortophon Red was too bright ] through Magnepan MG12/QR speakers.Tried a highly regarded Elac speaker--no change as far as the violins go, but way inferior to those dramatic Maggies.So, there you have it. Is it the equipment? Is the state of the art not up to recording violins? Is it me? [its o.k.-I can take it}. In closing,a couple of years ago,I had phone conversation with a well known person associated with a major speaker company about this. His response :[ paraphrased ] Violins are a problem--don't like 'em.  Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.
6119

Showing 1 response by denverfred

denverfred's avatar
denverfred
252 posts
 
So many great posts on this one. You’ve all given me a great sense of relief as you report experiences that parallel mine.
After a virus-driven (bored) series of updates, cables and tweaks, I still get the orchestral hash under extreme volume passages. In 50 years of hifi, I always blamed my gear, or the recording, or some unknown soprano. I’ve got it down to a dull roar by treating my room and re-cabling, but still . . . .
What most of us are talking about here is IM distortion that is originating at the instrument. Darn harsh cellos! 
I watch many of the youTube classical videos (especially those originating in the Netherlands), so I suffer through the string problem often. These videos span a few years right up to today and the mics used and their set-up is evolving fairly rapidly. The sound improves—and then it doesn’t. Never fear, this blog has enough good ideas to keep me spending and tweaking until I get it right.
More to discover