Quote Originally Posted by _Luke1_
I have to admit, I'm in that group that rarely listens to live, unamplified music. Fortunately, my expectations are realistic. I had hoped to start a conversation exploring other's expectations. Again, thanks for the thoughts.
I guess I addressed the wrong topic, but I thought you were asking about experience rather than expectation. Certainly I don't expect most recordings to be anything like a live performance. Most recordings are not intended to capture the sound of a live event, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The experience of listening to recordings is an entirely different experience than attending a live performance, and each is enjoyable in its own right. We listen to music every day, but I wouldn't really want to go to a live performance every day. It's so much easier to put on a recording than it is to get dressed and go out somewhere. We've got hundreds of recordings that we like (a lot), and can schedule the type of music we're in the mood for, whenever the mood strikes. The recordings simply are what they are, and a live performance is an entirely different thing.

What does a live performance "sound like" anyway? The Allman Brothers use to perform regularly near here, in a park where they performed on an outdoor stage. I've heard them play there so many times that they don't sound "right" when I hear them perform indoors, and their recordings are like a third interpretation of the same music. In fact, that's what every performance and every recording is; Each is an interpretation of a piece of music. If the interpretation appeals to us, I don't think the details of the interpretation are that important (as long as we enjoy it). It's all art. The music is art, the performance is art, and the recording is art; Each is a different art-form. Most recordings are interpretations rather than reproductions. Live performances are also (usually) interpretations of existing music. Some interpretations are more enjoyable than others, but it is unlikely that any two of us could agree on which interpretation was best in all cases. I think the same thing applies to a large extent to the audio gear we select.

I guess the short answer is that I expect the audio system to do what it does. Same with the TV. I don't expect the National Geographic channel to transport me to the Rainforest when I watch the program, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying it for what it is.

Where have you been seeing the reviews that you find so objectionable?