In article , Jim Lesurf
writes:

In article , Bob Latham
wrote:
The idea of needing a live reference is utter Bunkum, you don't. I've
been to many classical concerts and a few rock ones but it doesn't help
in the slightest.

You do push that boat rather too far. :-)

If you have no clue what a violin or any other instrument sounds like, how
would you decide if what you hear from a CD is 'fidelity'? Ditto for the
sound of a broadcast from a given hall?

I doubt very much that the Chinese violin sitting in one of my
cupboards upstairs sounds exactly like a Strad or Amati. So while
hearing a violin live will help in general terms, even with absolute
auditory recollection, unless you're listening to exactly the same
instrument, the tone will vary to a greater or lesser extent.

--
Mike Fleming