What makes strings sound "sweet"?

Ahh, yes. This is absolutely the hardest element for a stereo to convey. I used to think bass was the hardest. Then I thought the midrange was the hardest. Now I appreciate that the sweet, angelic, gripping sound, detailed, grain-free sound of the treble is one of the most magical, mesmerizing, and elusive pieces of the puzzle.

The recording is important, but so is your stereo. I have built my stereo in the quest for this sound. Everything contributes, although I place high emphasis on the Jade Audio cables, the preamp, the Tripoint Troy, and the diamond tweeter. I believe it really becomes an issue of striking the correct balance of frequencies throughout, and removing all the noise (both heard and not heard).

It is so fragile. Just changing one cable can kill the magic. If you have it, be careful not to touch the stereo again or all is in jeopardy.

I have a substantial collection of classical music. The strings sound fantastic on over 90% of the recordings. Folks, it's not the recording's fault.

The ability to portray both massed strings, and solo violin, is a major litmus test for system evaluation. Again, many components contribute, BUT, the cables are absolutely critical. I have come to appreciate this over the past several months. Specifically, having the right mix of materials. I must remark that Jade Audio cables really hit the nail on the head in terms of providing both that bite and sheen, along with the beauty, depth, and texture of strings. The real deal.

I'm not invalidating the importance of the role of the recording engineer. I'm just saying that they almost always do a good job, at least in my experience across a wide variety of classical music. It still remains a stereo system issue. Besides, the point is moot. What can you do? Re-record all your favorite pieces. Try the cables. They aren't smooth or sweet, just real. Even Gidon Kremer sound good.