Hey folks. I'm hoping some of you will share your experience with me.
Postings about speakers often talk about soundstage, tonal balance, imaging, bass, etc. It seems very few comments are made about the way speakers handle dynamics. Can someone out there help me out?
A lot of speakers represent instruments beautifully, but present the dynamics of the playing in a subdued way that robs the music of some energy, vitality, and swing. I've had a pair of Paradigm Studio Reference 40's for a couple of years and want to replace them because they have a slightly soft and recessed midrange that makes the music just a shade sweeter than "reality". Unfortunately, the speakers I've auditioned that had better midrange were not as dynamic.
I listen primarily to small group jazz. The dynamics I'm talking about are most evident in the volume changes within a phrase of notes. Do you hear a mini crescendo, or perhaps a sudden softening of touch in the phrase, or does it sound like the player is playing quite evenly? When the dynamics are reduced, it sounds like the players are playing in a thoughtful but calm way. With speakers that are more dynamic, the volume changes within the phrases communicate the players excitement more, and also intensify the rhythmic nature of the playing, giving more swing or drive to the playing.
Who knows of speakers that excell in presenting the dynamics of music? I would love to hear any ideas on which speakers to consider, and which ones to avoid, with this criteria in mind.
Cheers,
Burro
Postings about speakers often talk about soundstage, tonal balance, imaging, bass, etc. It seems very few comments are made about the way speakers handle dynamics. Can someone out there help me out?
A lot of speakers represent instruments beautifully, but present the dynamics of the playing in a subdued way that robs the music of some energy, vitality, and swing. I've had a pair of Paradigm Studio Reference 40's for a couple of years and want to replace them because they have a slightly soft and recessed midrange that makes the music just a shade sweeter than "reality". Unfortunately, the speakers I've auditioned that had better midrange were not as dynamic.
I listen primarily to small group jazz. The dynamics I'm talking about are most evident in the volume changes within a phrase of notes. Do you hear a mini crescendo, or perhaps a sudden softening of touch in the phrase, or does it sound like the player is playing quite evenly? When the dynamics are reduced, it sounds like the players are playing in a thoughtful but calm way. With speakers that are more dynamic, the volume changes within the phrases communicate the players excitement more, and also intensify the rhythmic nature of the playing, giving more swing or drive to the playing.
Who knows of speakers that excell in presenting the dynamics of music? I would love to hear any ideas on which speakers to consider, and which ones to avoid, with this criteria in mind.
Cheers,
Burro