How to Listen to Reason: A PS Audio Album Guide

By High-End Audio Products & Audio Equipment | PS Audio | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to get the most from Erik Deutsch, Theo Bleckmann, and Sly5thAve's live album Reason, recorded in Pure DSD. Step-by-step listening tips for audiophiles.

Quick Answer

To fully appreciate Reason, listen in a quiet room on a high-resolution system, preferably in Pure DSD, and focus on the interplay between piano, voice, and percussion.

Why Reason Demands Your Attention

Reason is not background music. It's a live recording by a power trio—pianist Erik Deutsch, vocalist Theo Bleckmann, and multi-instrumentalist Sly5thAve—captured in Pure DSD. The textures and dynamics reward active listening.

The album includes thoughtful covers like Pink's 'God is a DJ' and Kate Bush's 'This Woman's Work,' alongside originals. Each track has a distinct sonic character, so your listening approach should adapt.

The Trade-Off: Convenience vs. Fidelity

Streaming on a phone or laptop is convenient, but you'll miss the subtle details in the DSD recording. For the full experience, use a high-resolution audio player or a DAC that supports DSD. If you can't, choose a lossless format over compressed files.

The album's live nature means audience noise and room acoustics are part of the recording. Don't mistake these for flaws—they add to the immediacy.

Your Step-by-Step Listening Process

Set Up Your Listening Space: Choose a quiet room and position your speakers or headphones at ear level. Minimize reflections by adding soft furnishings if needed. Check that your seating is centered between the speakers for a proper stereo image.
Choose the Right Format: If you have a DSD-capable DAC, play the Pure DSD version. Otherwise, use a high-resolution lossless file. Avoid compressed formats like MP3. Confirm your player is set to output DSD natively, not converting it to PCM, to get the full benefit.
Start with 'God is a DJ': This cover showcases the trio's interplay. Listen for how Bleckmann's voice weaves around Deutsch's piano and Sly5thAve's textures. Note the dynamic range—don't be tempted to raise the volume too high; let the quiet parts breathe.
Follow the Lyrics and Arrangements: Read the lyrics or follow along mentally. Notice how the trio reinterprets familiar songs, adding new emotional depth. If you're familiar with the originals, compare the arrangements to appreciate the creativity.
Listen in One Sitting: Reason is a cohesive live performance. Listen from start to finish to experience the arc of the set. Avoid skipping tracks; the flow is part of the story.
Adjust Volume for Live Dynamics: Live recordings have wide dynamic swings. Set the volume so that quiet passages are audible without the loud parts becoming harsh. Use your amplifier's volume control gently; sudden changes can ruin the mood.

Album Details

Reason: Reason is a live recording by Erik Deutsch, Theo Bleckmann & Sly5thAve, captured in Pure DSD. Pure DSD preserves the original analog sound, giving you a more natural and detailed listening experience on compatible hi-fi gear.
Reason