Sometimes, I’m pulled up short when the two merge in harmony and the performance lifts....
There’s a thrill to being so close to music making. Despite the fact that I’ve listened to many systems, from modest to very expensive, I’ve never heard music presented in that way or affecting me in that way.
I find this surprising as my aim is to have my system grab me in that way all the time! I assumed that many other people do likewise. For me it's what a music system is for. It's all it is for. You can break it down to things like timing and pitch accuracy, dynamics etc but the bottom line is that you really don't have to. If the music is connecting with you on an emotional, visceral level and you are not being distracted by sonic aberrations then the system is good.
I'm fortunate enough to have had a lot of live music in the house. My daughter is still at home and plays saxophone almost every day. It is totally possible to get a Hi-Fi system to convey the thrill and impact of a saxophone, or any other instrument, but it helps if that is your goal. If you are on a fool's errand trying to remove all vestiges of colouration and distortion, no chance. From what I've heard you'll end up with a flat, dull lifeless sound that bears little resemblance to real life.
Have you ever listened to speakers in an anechoic chamber?
No, I haven't. Just talking was very strange.