Quote Originally Posted by GM View Post
<Assuming the recording is accurate [not likely],>
This brings up a good point. I am at a stage in my listening "career" where I am beyond being impressed by recording engineer/audiophile sonic gimmicks. I do not desire enhanced highs, mids or lows. I do not listen to music for the effect that a system generate other than it's ability to reproduce the sound of a live performance. Playing with the stereo image for it's own sake does nothing for me any longer. Making sounds go up and down, in an out and left and right does not make music sound real to me. Bass that thumps in my chest is cool, but bores and wears me out quickly. I want to hear music the way it would be if I was hearing it live.

That sparkle I mention is what I would hear if I was sitting in a small place with a small group playing acoustic instruments and someone dings a chime. I want it to ring in my speakers to the same degree and for the same duration that it would if I were there live. No more and no less.