I used to avoid arena shows for this very reason- the sound was always awful!! But…a few years ago I went to see Fleetwood Mac and my impression changed. Just as you said, it wasn’t boomy or echoing and the vocals were easily discernible. I think the technology has come a long way. I’ve been to several arena shows since then and, sure, the sound at some has been better than others. But, overall, the sound at these larger venues has been a whole lot better than the shows I recall from the 80’s thru the 2010’s.
I used to avoid arena shows for this very reason- the sound was always awful!! But…a few years ago I went to see Fleetwood Mac and my impression changed. Just as you said, it wasn’t boomy or echoing and the vocals were easily discernible. I think the technology has come a long way. I’ve been to several arena shows since then and, sure, the sound at some has been better than others. But, overall, the sound at these larger venues has been a whole lot better than the shows I recall from the 80’s thru the 2010’s.