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Accuracy vs. musicality

I imagine if you have an unlimited budget you can have both ultimate accuracy and musicality.
For those of us whose budget is somewhat limited, we usually have to make a choice.
I very recently obtained  speakers (which I prefer not to name so as to avoid debate.  Some of you do know them.) These speakers were criticized by an Agoner for not being accurate.
Now, I heard the speakers he liked better and they we’re fine, and maybe more “etched,” but they did not convey the musical message as well to me.  Indeed I compared many such speakers recommended by members (there was little love for mine) and I found them not to have the sound I hear in a concert hall. They did not communicate to me as well.
So, what’s more important: precise accuracy or musicality?
rvpiano
ejr1953
542 posts
 
Back in the day I sold high-end equipment and learned that there are people who more listening to the equipment and others who more listen to the music.
I believe we all hear differently and have different ways we enjoy the audio system experience.  So, to me, neither "accurate" or "musical" is "right".
If I were to give any advice, I'd say pick the equipment that gives YOU the most enjoyment.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
938 posts
 
I totally agree with most of the comments here.
Whatever rings your bell.
audiokinesis
1,872 posts
 

This past weekend I showed a speaker at RMAF that incorporates an unusual amount of adjustability.

Its frequency response curve can be "accurate" (approximately flat), or it can be "something else".

A significantly "something else" curve was preferred by a huge margin by those of us involved in setting up the room. We adjusted by ear (and I trusted younger ears more than my own). After the show I modeled what the response curve was after our adjustments, and it sloped gently downward by about 3 dB per decade north of 200 Hz. This isn’t news - this sort of curve has worked well for others.

Point being, the ears don’t necessarily perceive what the eye expects from looking at a curve.

Duke

dealer/manufacturer

jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
I am sitting here listening to "Bags and 'trane" recorded in 1959. How am I supposed to know if what I'm hearing is accurate? It sounds great to me on my system and it's great music. That's all I can personally ask for in my system.
joes44's avatar
joes44
23 posts
 
Wait a second can I believe my eyes? Audiophiles exhibiting rational thoughts rather than obsessive anal retentive examination of the accuracy of a auditory reproduction? O.k, let me get this straight, LISTEN to the music. ENJOY the music. Where's the fun in that?
Only kidding! no need to respond.
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