Hihat Question


Thanks in advance for your opinion-

My system is:

Anthem Integrated 225

Musical Fidelity Cd as Transport

Schiit Modi Multibit

Technics Sl 1200 mk2

Usher Cp6311

Morrow Cables

I like the system overall, plenty of bass, voices sound realistic, highs are not strident, etc.

As a drummer, I love to hear hihats, cymbals, etc. On some systems in the past I’ve heard more of this than through my setup. Most of these setups have been in the past on equipment I perceive is a lower grade than mine.

My question is: 

Should I be hearing most every hihat strike, close? Is hearing these sounds consistently the sound of a revealing system or a ‘tipped up’ presentation that I would likely tire of?

Live music varies to me in this respect, and the music on my my system varies as well. Unfortunately, I’m not able to demo where I live, so I’m interested in your opinion. Fwiw- I hear all a lot more treble in my automobile, but could be due to the euphoric goal of the manufacturer. I’m in my late 50’s, so that may play a part-

On many jazz albums, it’s all there, others not so much.

Sorry for the one post.

Thanks
uncledemp

Showing 2 responses by viridian

A good stereo will allow you to hear both the miking and the mix. Some hihats are close miked, and some from further away. Some mixes make the hihat more prominent, and some relegate them to further back in the fabric of the music. 

You should be hearing  all of that. The word for a system in which the high hat is always prominent is “bright.”

Now, as a drummer, your perspective is different than than the audience, and probably different than what the band, producer, and mixing engineer are trying to achieve in reproduced playback.

You can either reconcile that or look for a system with a brighter presentation. There is no right or wrong. It’s your money, you should buy whatever floats your boat.
What’s the easiest way to get a drummer off of your doorstep?

Pay for the pizza.