I would have to say that audio gear is so good at this point that I am 99% happy with recordings sitting on my comfortable chair in my living room which has decent (although not perfect) acoustics.
I have difficulty EVER recalling hearing great sound at a live concert, although the experience alone was well worth the trouble of going in the 1st place. When s great performer comes out on stage, whether it's Frank Zappa or the LSO, i get goosebumps anyway. But for truly balanced sound and no coughing or other distractions, i can now die a happy person. Only ballet or opera, (or Woodstock) requires a ticket and a good seat (imho). If you can get a string quartet to come over to your house and play, that (of course) would be terrific also...
I have difficulty EVER recalling hearing great sound at a live concert, although the experience alone was well worth the trouble of going in the 1st place. When s great performer comes out on stage, whether it's Frank Zappa or the LSO, i get goosebumps anyway. But for truly balanced sound and no coughing or other distractions, i can now die a happy person. Only ballet or opera, (or Woodstock) requires a ticket and a good seat (imho). If you can get a string quartet to come over to your house and play, that (of course) would be terrific also...