I've spent a lot of time over the past few weeks listening to some "reference" recordings (the Focal discs, among others) on my system. With my typical MP3s and other discs, I find myself reaching for the EQ to make some subtle adjustment of some sort. Never happens with the reference recordings. The imaging and dynamics are consistent from artist to artist, song to song. As a matter of fact, I find it hard to hear minor adjustments in EQ when playing the reference recordings, as opposed to other sources.
Do you find the reference recordings to be more "forgiving" of minor EQ/frequency response imbalances? I would have imagined just the opposite - that they would reveal the issues in any system.
Also, I find metal and other very heavy rock recordings to sound ugly under any circumstances on my system. I had trouble getting even the Godsmack and Anthrax tracks on Focal Disc 7 sounding good, very painful on the ears at moderate volumes. Maybe the compression in the recording, maybe my musical tastes, dunno.
Thoughts?
Do you find the reference recordings to be more "forgiving" of minor EQ/frequency response imbalances? I would have imagined just the opposite - that they would reveal the issues in any system.
Also, I find metal and other very heavy rock recordings to sound ugly under any circumstances on my system. I had trouble getting even the Godsmack and Anthrax tracks on Focal Disc 7 sounding good, very painful on the ears at moderate volumes. Maybe the compression in the recording, maybe my musical tastes, dunno.
Thoughts?