Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site
In the Forum: Playback Listening
In the Thread: Accuracy vs. Musicality (and YMMV)
Post Subject: Huge topicPosted by rowuk on: 5/7/2026
After we have bought and installed a system (regardless of the care taken), the results from that system (regardless of overall quality) are no longer random for us as we acclimate and are creatures of habit. The only way to "randomize" the playback results is to manipulate our response to stimuli. In a primitive way, taking a long hot shower before listening can relax us and allow for better reception of "detail", driving a couple of hours through big city traffic would tend to lower our sensitivity.
My own story as a performing musician has more entry options for manipulation - but not necessarily any increased need to use them. I retired in January and do spend more time with a score when I am listening. This visual causes my focus during playback to shift based on expectations arising by recognizing patterns in composition - essentially making my playback completely random but my level of satisfaction with the ritual much greater.
So, my answer is that music can certainly survive HiFi because the ears that appreciate musical results will also be able find the aural clues and excitement in playback. Now, one could question if random listeners not looking for a "musical experience" could get drawn into a playback performance. My experience with this would cause me to say NO! Many of those random listeners are actually disturbed by playback that draws attention to itself. It can be interpreted to be an ATTACK on their conciousness, something they do not know how to handle. I do have many such discussions with my wife who more or less is perfectly content with music only in the background and has a low tolerance level for "challenging performances". She does not get in the way of my serious listening but has no interest in taking part (or keeping her mouth shut when she does happen to be in the room).Rerurn to Romy the Cat's Site