on 2/20/08 4:35 PM, Peter W Redstone at [log in to unmask] wrote:

> Hi folks! jay McCarty wrote:
> 
>> Re Bill's comment about recordings: There is a world of difference
>> between listening to recordings on a very fine system and listening
> on an 
>> iPod or a Bose Wave radio.
> 
> Not so! They ALL sound artificial!  I know a guy who spent thousands
> on his system, complete with single-ended directly heated output
> triodes (the modern equivalent of a PX4), and thousands more on his
> speakers. I found it hard to simulate enthusiasm, he was so pleased
> with it!  But the truth is I've _never_ heard anything that sounds
> like the real thing!  That being so, I listen to recordings for the
> actual playing style, registration etc. but not for the noise that
> emerges from the machine!

Peter!! Spending thousands won't do it!!! You have to spend tens of
thousands!!!! The most nearly accurate reproduction of the Colmar Ruckers
I've ever heard was on a system costing approximately $150,000 US!!!!!

If you haven't heard such a system, you're simply not entitled to say it
can't be done.

Now a system like that is way beyond my means, but there are people to whom
it is pocket change. Everything in this world is relative. As seldom as I
get to hear live performances of solo hpd music, I would invest in such a
system in a heartbeat if I had the money. Those of you who have regular
access to live performances are in no position to judge.

-- 
James R. (Jay) McCarty, MD
Fort Worth, TX

"Sine arte, scientia nihil est"