Critic's Corner

Posted by markrohr (P) on November 21, 2005 at 06:50:32

In Reply to: Re: "I suggest that you listen to real good ones." posted by theaudiohobby on November 21, 2005 at 04:59:00:

We shall have to agree to disagree! At least you appear to understand what dynamic range means; poor Klaus is lost at sea, thinking it is how loud things go.

The dynamic envelope of many acoustic instruments has been measured and shown to be rather more exciting than many of us think. 20dB peaks above average level are not uncommon, and there seems to be evidence that there may sometimes be more. When I hear live instruments--it's my job!--that envelope never sounds compressed or rounded off. It's all there.

When I hear reproduced audio, even of the highest caliber, I never hear those dynamics faithfully executed. Our playback systems seem to squash some of the life out of those peaks.

I find that electrostats do a better job at low levels, particularly with percussion, but at high levels they peter out just like cone speakers.

I've only heard a couple of truly excellent horn systems, and they do better, too, but in my opinion it's much harder to get a horn system to sound good, with good integration and low coloration.

That's all the proof you get. The observations of an experienced listener with 35 years as a professional musician under his belt, along with 40 years of (mostly DIY--indeed, I *do* read meters) audiophiledom, including exposure to systems I could never hope to afford. If it's not enough, well, as I said before, have fun!

To me, dynamics and coherence are the main reasons we can tell if that's a real piano we're hearing through the window or a recording of a piano. That difference is obvious to anyone.

Seriously, have fun and quit being so defensive! Wouldn't it be tragic if I'm having more fun than you? ;-)