In Reply to: Yes, and so absolutely right for "they are here..." listening posted by theaudiohiffle on March 31, 2007 at 12:33:18:
No matter how good the recording, no matter how wonderful the performance, no matter what format or how expensive and accurate your system, you will never come more than close to reproducing the sound of a symphony orchestra in your listening room. There is no way you can capture the sound of 60 or 80 musicians playing in a multi-thousand cubic foot space and shrink it down to fit inside your living room, playing out of two or five or twenty-five speakers.However, it is comparatively easy to put a chamber ensemble smack dab in between a pair of stereo speakers with such eerie presence and depth that you can close your eyes and swear they're there. I have fooled myself many times with a good recording of a string quartet or piano trio, but I have never fallen for the ultimate lie when listening to a recorded orchestra. I tell myself: "My, this sounds similar to what I heard the other night in Overture Hall." But then, sometimes, I tell myself: "Holy shit, where did that cello and piano come from?"
Peace,
Tom E
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Follow Ups
- The most easily created sonic illusion - madisonears 14:29:12 04/01/07 (5)
- The purpose of recordings is to... - krisjan 08:20:41 04/02/07 (4)
- I'm not sure you want the musicians "in your home." - jsm 13:24:47 04/02/07 (3)
- Re: I'm not sure you want the musicians "in your home." - Ted Smith 13:59:50 04/02/07 (2)
- My fantasy of an ideal system. - jsm 14:45:01 04/03/07 (1)
- Yep - Ted Smith 14:51:31 04/03/07 (0)