Musicians?

I was a drummer for many years.

At one point, I owned a system with Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE loudspeakers driven by a Moscode 401HR amp and Lamm LL2 Deluxe preamp. The source was an APL Denon 3910.

Drum reproduction was stunningly real.

I miss that system in many respects.

I play violin in a semi-professional orchestra. My axe is a 1927 Luigi Mozzani. I've never heard a music reproduction system capable of producing the actual timbre, depth, power and lush sound of a violin. Or, even close, for that matter. I suspect this has more to do with the recording quality than the reproduction system. For example, most high-end systems have no problem whatsoever reproducing extremely realistic acoustic guitar. My comment is from the perspective of the instrument under my ear, not positioned in the audience. Classical music seems to be the only genre that bears little resemblance to the actual sound of the instruments. Rock, jazz blues and vocals seem effortlessly convincing. I've been addicted to this hobby for 35 years and have attended RMAF every year since it began so my experience is extensive.

With the exception of a Loricraft PR-3 my current system is posted here.

My 2 channel goal is to be a part of the performance. What I refer to as “in the music”. I want to experience the event as if I’m on stage. Ah, where is that grail?

Most well known professional Musicians have crap stereos or just so so equipment.

Thanks for the responses (except for more obvious useless threadcrap from schipo).

I'm actually kind of surprised at the popularity of ribbons and electrostatics so far. There are certainly a good variety of excellent systems. I'm getting a dangerous urge to try some tubes and vinyl in my setup :).

Rballdude, I'm guessing if it were more common to mic individual instruments in an orchestra, you may be able to get what you're after. Do you find violin solo or concerto recordings lacking as well?

Hopefully more will chime in. Keep 'em coming.