Quote Originally Posted by theaudiohobby
The point I am trying to make precisely , however it is incredulous to suggest that such products are more transparent or accurate than other products on this basis, since the only way a subjective opinion can make that call is by comparing the actual playback directly to the master tapes or even better the actual recorded live performance .
Absolutely agree, which is why I "try" never to use words like transparent or accurate and prefer words like believable and phrases like "true to my preconception of the live event".

I've had the good fortune to listen closely to three master tapes and the resultant CD's. Sadly, there is a HUGE difference. The RE's in question have always blamed the limitations of the CD medium, a format that supposedly HAS no limitations. I'd perhaps blame their skill if I didn't know better. They all agree; SACD is truest to the master tape, next comes CD and lastly the LP. However, they all also agree that while the LP deviates more than the CD, what the CD adds in the way of distortion (that stuff that measurements tell us the CD medium is devoid of - haha!) is much more discordant while the LP is more "musical". Oh, there's that word again! Sorry.

The problem with comparisons to the live event is usually the length of time between said event and the recording playback. The mind forgets. However, on a few occasions I've noticed some horrible sonic anomalies that, if they had been present while I was at the concert, I couldn't have helped but notice.

Transparency among components? Let's find transparency in recording first. The cart before the horse makes for a well built cart that doesn't go anywhere AND is content with its destination.