Musicians?

I am a classical pianist.

My amplification is a Cary SLI-80F1 with Focal Be1007 speakers and a modded Sony SCD-1 front end.

I listen primarily for inner detail and timbre (air). Sound stage width and depth are also important to me.

I prefer chamber music or chamber orchestral works and piano and violin solo works. A little bit of female vocals (jazz) on occasion.

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.