Why do Classical CDs sound less Alive/Real/Present ?


Of course GIGO always applies but some of my CDs are on decent labels.
When I listen to symphony recordings as an example, the sound loses its presence
and sounds a bit like I am using a much lesser grade of equipment.

My system has all components in excellent shape as well as a good amount
of acoustic treatments. The room is not large at 16 x 14 x 8 + adjacent open kitchen
behind seating of 10 x 13,  so I am wondering if what I hear is just the nature of the
beast-ie. a lot of instruments going on at one time?

I seem to recall this has always been the case in other settings as well.

What say ye? 

gadios

Showing 2 responses by tweak1

Don't shoot the messenger. There is a ton of music hidden within the CD format, including red book.I have cds that are easily 15 years old, that were some magazines recording of the month, that I found lacking. As my system improves, so does the music
first one needs a system that is fully capable of revealing what's on the bits. Most tweeters will have great difficulty as will most amplifiers
Over every xmas for the last 10+ years I play 2 redbook CDs Dianna Kall Xmas album and Sheffield Labs Xmas album. They never sounded as good as this year, and they sound phenomenal

Last night I dusted off Usher Audio 6 Key Elements to Contemporary Art, recorded in Taiwan. No date on the disc cover, but at least 15 years old. Absolutely mind-blowing