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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
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 
Red Book CD's are my favorite source.
mrearl
40 posts
 
It's hilarious that they sold the public on cd's because they "have more dynamic range".  There is nothing that has less dynamic range than your average cd, probably owing to modern mastering practices.
mrearl
40 posts
 
" Classical Music usually isn’t mixed with the “Loudness Wars” mentality. "

Sir, you are mistaken.
tweak1
3,549 posts
 
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

gadios OP
94 posts
 
Usher made some great recordings. Thanks for the reminder.
I had lost track of this post and now would like to belatedly
thank everyone for their ideas and suggestions. I will try them all. 

What motivated me to ask this question is that when I play plain old red book CD versions of music such as by Hope Sandoval or Patricia Barber for example, the sound takes on a "Magical" quality with a great sound stage. The feeling I get when listening to these well recorded singers is what keeps me chasing great sound. 

So the essence of my original question is why, when I have many different classical CDs by assorted studios, do I get none of that same "Magic"? Debussy's Clare de Lune is the closest so far.

Anyone?
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