Galliardist
Major Contributor
I think you just changed your terms of reference from a live unamplified performance to a particular form of recording (close miked). Live performances are miked in a number of different ways and as such from different positions. We are dependent on the skill of the recording engineer to select a suitable recording method and microphone positions for recording such a performance.I would say this becomes alot harder for someone to both objectively and subjectively determine if the sound produced by the speakers are considered 'reference' or not. Technically, no recording done professionally is considered 'reference' because no audience would put their ears close up the the instrument or even a singer's mouth during a live performance.
If I were to say what is "reference", I think it would be an audience using personal phone to record a live performance. Because that would be closest to what the person sitting there really hears.
Its not a problem but just something to ponder upon.
Of course, in studio recordings close positioning of microphones is a very common method, but even then not the only one. Anything done in a studio is essentially illusory, and its own reference.
I'd say your "phone" reference falls into the same error that the late Harry Pearson (sorry to bring religion into it) made all those years ago, when he specified a particular position in a hall as his reference. It's most unlikely that that one position or one seat/phone is going to give the most accurate tonality or allow access to the clearest exposure of a musician's skill for all instruments and performers.