I suppose a lot comes down to what one comprehends in the terms "life-like". Surely Nrchy does not believe that there is a single sound emanating from a single venue from which we all adopt "the" true/living sound. Venues, acoustics, subjective placing and reception are surely far more complex than that!?
So, in the spirit of fun with which this thread started, I concur with Honest1. In my small listening room and with my associated equipment, the speakers that come closest to reflecting a generally representative sound of many of the "live" performances that I have heard would be the Talon Hawks and the Von Scweikert VR-4 III SE's. The frequency extension, 3D staging, timbral range and speed of them bringing out the best from my experience and environment.
So, in the spirit of fun with which this thread started, I concur with Honest1. In my small listening room and with my associated equipment, the speakers that come closest to reflecting a generally representative sound of many of the "live" performances that I have heard would be the Talon Hawks and the Von Scweikert VR-4 III SE's. The frequency extension, 3D staging, timbral range and speed of them bringing out the best from my experience and environment.