Quote Originally Posted by RGA
I believe the goal is to be accurate to the recording.
Yes, I agree and furthermore, I want to hear everything that I was intended to. Sorry, what's that Rich?

Quote Originally Posted by RGA
As for soundstage - I have never understood what the driving appeal of it is and why so many glob onto soundstage and imaging. Personally if I notice it it is probably doing a whole bunch of things wrong someplace else.
Hmmm. I can appreciate that you don't dig soundstage but in staying true to a recording, you MUST consider it. Some recordings have been made to replicate the studio "environment", so that you at home may feel like you're sitting in front of the band. Where my understanding ends, is when people try to listen to a soundstage on a recording which clearly LACKS any. Some people need to realise that quite a few recordings have been panned to stimulate the senses, and NOT replicate any sense of real imaging.

As I said before, I enjoy my music in hi-fi. Imaging is a miracle of the studio, and with hi-fi we are privileged to experience it. We shouldn't ignore it but at the same time, shouldn't be overly concerned. It is what it is...