On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 00:14:20 +0000 (GMT)
Dave Plowman wrote:

For simplification, I'm only considering a 'straight' classical
recording where the purpose is to give the listener as close an
approximation of hearing the piece as one would at a concert.

In that case I'll concede the headphones *may* give a lacklustre
soundstage. I say *may* as it *may* give an exaggerated soundstage which
can actually sound rather nice.

In which case I'm guilty of misunderstanding you, as I assumed by the
'stunning stereo image' of your original post that I replied to that you
meant as lifelike as possible. Of course, this isn't what many either
strive for or desire.

I think headphones CAN give a stunning (as in lifelike) stereo image. However you seem to be set in thinking of a 'normal' recording so, given that, I'll agree, they wont (necessarily) be as lifelike.

certainly headphones would give an inaccurate soundstage if fed on such
a recording.

You'd not even attempt to do a serious recording of this nature using
headphones as the monitoring unless forced to. Believe me on this. ;-)

but you might well do for a binaural recording...

and what of the situation I described of trying to portray someone listening through a hole in a wall (in, say, a film) ? 100% left or right, which is impossible with a pair of stereo speakers...

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