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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: Low output MC?
Post Subject: Volume versus detailPosted by Paul S on: 4/6/2007
It is probably fodder for another thread, but I have also pondered the volume versus detail issue. I have in the past owned systems, and I have heard many systems, that rendered a lot of nuance and detail at low-ish volume settings. None of these systems satisfied me for very long, and some drove me right oput of the room immediately. My present system seems to come alive at pretty close to live volume levels, although I have not really wrung it out with symphonic fare yet, apart from a rollicking session with the Sheffield/Leinsdorf/Wagner sampler.
But it may be fairly noted in this thread that LO MCs are the detail champs, for better or for worse, and it MAY be that it is easier with LO MC to "set" one's preferred "detail level" to a desired playback volume, regardless of whether that closely corresponds to the original performance/recorded perspective. Meanwhile, I opted some time ago for a more-or-less "neutral" perspective, so I am also more-or-less at the mercy of the recording, including its perspective/rendering of detail. This is fine with lighter material, but it may also make a case for multiple arms/cartridges, at least, in order to get more content from large scale works that would be unbearable at live volume and/or from the recorded perspective.
Re: performance vs. instrument, it's like Mick Jagger said, "It's the singer, not the song."
Last Sunday I played Connoisseur Society's 1966 Manitas de Plata session, so an example of what we are talking about is still very fresh in my mind. I will dig out the Bell and Heifitz anon.
Best regards,
Paul SRerurn to Romy the Cat's Site