I'd agree. However the only real control over that which most of us get is
to choose with the care the LP/CD/broadcasts we listen to. It is one of
the
reasons I am a long-term 'fan' of BBC Radio 3 as their broadcasting people
often do a wonderful job of capturing the sound of a live performance.


True, we are invariably at the mercy of the recording/broadcasting
engineers.
Their efforts will be deemed satisfactory to some and less so to others. Win
some - lose some.
However, as I believe you will agree, our 'job' should be to faithfully
reproduce
the product as closely as we possibly can, be it good or bad.

I am reminded of a friend, many years ago, being upset over a CD he had
bought.
Having listened, I could clearly hear clicks and pops! If nothing else, it
had novelty value!
In this particular case I would imagine that the original masters had been
lost or destroyed.
Rather a shame that a better quality LP was not found but grateful, non the
less, that they did it.
I am in two minds whether any attempt should have been made to
electronically 'clean' it up.
Still, more importantly, the music had been preserved and made available for
the enjoyment of all.


I find it interesting that, at the other end of the system,
we again have immense scope for 'messing up' earlier good work -
another mechanical device. While I haven't seen them mentioned in this
group (perhaps a dirty word?), what is your view on headphones?

Personally, I use them for 'editing' type purposes. But I tend to find
them
uncomfortable for serious listening, and prefer good speakers, carefully
placed in the room. However they can deliver excellent results. Again,
however this depends on the source material as well as the tastes of the
end-user.


I am only on my second set in 30 years. The first, while very good, were
heavy and had a tendency
to fall off! Not a substitute for good speakers perhaps but certainly have
their place.
Ah, 'editing'. I recall the experience of creating my first CD. I recorded
the content as best I could,
balanced tracks, applied necessary EQ etc and mixed down to the final
master. A final listen to
make sure all was well and a few minutes later I had a CD in my hands and a
grin on my face!
Dropping it into my system, I sat back to enjoy the fruits of my labours.
Bang - bubble burst!
I now know the importance of using a descent pair of studio monitors!
I doubt whether all pro studios use the same monitors (and obviously not the
same ears)... best not to think about it!

Paul.