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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 3 responses by twoleftears

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
Yes, I believe your answer is essentially correct.

What other kinds of recording do we have involving eighty various instruments in a large hall space?  

I bet recordings of classical chamber groups and soloists (e.g. piano) sound better to you.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 

These all represent small variations or bandaids.

I stand by my original response.

I have long answered that a large symphony orchestra in full hue and cry is the hardest kind of recorded music to get to sound anything like the real thing in a typically sized domestic space with a stereo system, however good/resolving/full-range/whatever it may be.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
Whether the recording is attention-deficit or dire-digital is beside the point.

1. Listen to any recording of solo classical piano
2. Listen to any recording of a string quartet.
3. Listen to any recording of a Mahler symphony.

Which of these sounds most/least like a somewhat convincing simulacrum of the real thing?

As the shampoo instructions say, repeat and enjoy.
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