Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Ultra DAC > 818v3/808v6

I 100% agree that nothing can replace live. However, two things for me-

1. It does depend on the kind of music you're passionate about - e.g., Covent Garden standard will simply never appear anywhere near me, or much opera/classical at all for that matter.

2. To see that standard of classical work is expensive, especially if you don't live in one of the cities where it is resident. When I was a student living in London 20 years ago, I could get limited view seats in the side of the gods for around £10. If you want to see better and hear a more balanced sound it'll cost you. Seats in the sides of the stall circle this time were £156 each. The hotel was £170 and the train for two was £88.50. Worth every penny to be sure, but I can't afford it more than a couple of times a year.

3. Many of the great performers, performances, and pairings, etc., have been and gone, and many happen around the world in venues too remote to make them practicable or cost effective to see.

I assume much of the above is similar for big artists in pop/rock too, but can't really comment as it's not as much my thing?

Recordings available for a reasonable price make the above possible, as long as the recording and replay chain are up to the job of a reasonable recreation. The reason for being so excited about SEs and MQA is that they make the latter so much closer than I've ever heard to the real thing.

[edit- OK that was three things, I'm enjoying a glass or two of wine 😉]