Speakers that reveal bad recordings? Not for me.

One thing is for sure, if you have speakers which won't reveal bad recordings for what they are you're going to save a lot of money on fancy (revealing) electronic's and sources 'cause you won't get any benefit from them. And apparently you won't get the benefit from fine recordings as well. But life is full of choices ....yours are valid. Not my choices, perhaps, but valid non-the-less.

Quoting from myself in a recent thread:

As my system evolved over the years, my initial expectation was that the improvements in the system would make poor recordings sound worse, by reproducing them more accurately. But to my surprise I found that nearly every recording sounded better. I think the reason was that just about every recording gets something right, for instance, part of the mid-range, and my attention would be sub-consciously drawn to what was right about the recording, because it was SO right, and would not focus on what was wrong.

You may find the rest of the thread of interest as well. It is entitled: "Ever discover cheapo speakers actually sound... "

Regards,
-- Al

its been my experience that the most neutral loudspeakers i've heard throughout the bandwidth are also the most enjoyable with all recordings. its no coincidence that many of the ones with dynamic drivers are also acoustic suspension

This is an interesting subject and one not discussed very often in audiophile forums. Are there dimenishing returns for the "muisic lover" with a system that is unforgiving. I think there is. I also think about the question: is this hobby about the sound of your system or enjoying music.

I agree with Newbee regarding choices but respectfully disagree with the notion that only a system that is ultra revealing can appreciate fine recordings. I would also argue that designing a system around those type of recordings is very limiting with regards to enjoying music.

Why is it ever desirable to have speakers that simply reflect whatever they are fed, for better or worse?

I suspect this is because, for a few folks, that is the idea of High Fidelity.

High Fidelity = Highly Faithful = Accurate Reproduction of the recording.

To some people audio reproduction is not unlike fashion clothing - a desire for the most pleasing presentation and to replenish one's wardrobe with the "latest".

I would agree that it is all a philosophy. There is no wrong or right. I prefer to collect music like Imelda has shoes rather than change equipment that way.

No rant here either - it is just the way it is - I equally respect those who see audio systems like fine wine - each to be tasted and enjoyed for a little while and then to move on. Collecting and sampling gear can be a fun hobby and nothing wrong with that. I would say that manufacturers encourage it - ever notice how big name high end speaker manufacturers offerings hardly ever sound even similar! (if it was simply about technology rather than a fashion competition for pleasing sound then I suspect you would find a lot more consistency in a manufacturer's line up)