Should Loudspeakers Grab You?

[fatmarley]

Can a loudspeaker be too explicit? Not sure if that is the right word but I prefer it to 'revealing'.

I think a revealing speaker can be a problem because it's an open window to everything that feeds it. The problem is knowing if the speaker is revealing, or just distorting the signal in some way.

[fatmarley]

All tooo confusing.
I try and attend as many Live performances as possible.
My only care is on getting my Audio 'stuff' to sound as similar to what I heard live.. as realistically as practical.
A hit 'n miss exercise without doubt.
Happily, a few more hits than misses.. recently.

I suppose it's all a matter of taste at the end of the day. Some people want that live sound (me included) and some want a relaxing, smooth sound. Actually what I'm aiming for at the moment is a smooth sound that sounds like thunder and lightning when the music calls for it.

[walpurgis]

I think a revealing speaker can be a problem because it's an open window to everything that feeds it. The problem is knowing if the speaker is revealing, or just distorting the signal in some way.

Revealing speakers should not be confused speakers having a forward presentation. Spendor and Harbeth speakers are revealing, but relaxed and smooth in presentation. Shortcomings in the system preceding the speakers will undoubtedly be shown up by good speakers. That just means attention is needed elsewhere.

[walpurgis]

Actually what I'm aiming for at the moment is a smooth sound that sounds like thunder and lightning when the music calls for it.

That would be a pair of big vintage Apogee ribbon speakers then.

Trouble is a fine set will cost you an arm and a leg. But not as much as a good amp that can actually drive them!

I reckon Avantegarde Trios could offer a similarly satisfying experience. But unfortunately, even though they are less amp demanding they cost a bomb.

[CornishPasty]

I've had my IMF TLS80s for so long now I can't imagine life without them. Yes I've heard speakers that do better thunder and more lightning but they're not for me. I'm always happy to return home to my IMFs. We understand each other

[fatmarley]

That would be a pair of big vintage Apogee ribbon speakers then.

Trouble is a fine set will cost you an arm and a leg. But not as much as a good amp that can actually drive them!

I reckon Avantegarde Trios could offer a similarly satisfying experience. But unfortunately, even though they are less amp demanding they cost a bomb.

I design my own, so I can only hope that's what my next pair will sound like. I'm trying to break the laws of physics (Small box, easy to drive, simple crossover and big sound) and so far, it's looking good on paper.

[Yomanze]

Some speakers are much better in their transient response (ability to start and stop quickly) and ability to critically damp the drivers (make sure the drivers don't start to ring). This is what drives the subjective feel of 'grabbing the music'.

[Ulysses]

Originally Posted by Macca View Post
'Can a loudspeaker be too explicit? Not sure if that is the right word but I prefer it to 'revealing'.

When I acquired a pair of Yamaha NS1000 speakers I had to throw out some cd's because the yams revealed the shoddiness of the recordings, and rendered them unplayable. I wouldn't say they were too revealing/explicit as the flip side is revealing the nuances of great recording.

[Gazjam]

I think if the speakers are conspicious in that they "grab you" then to me somethings not right.

Ideally, for me at least, you shouldn't be drawn to one piece of equipment but the music that comes from your system as a whole.
In fact, going one step further (again ideally) the system should get out of the way completely.

Let the music do the talking, not the kit.

[walpurgis]

I'm trying to break the laws of physics (Small box, easy to drive, simple crossover and big sound) and so far, it's looking good on paper.

Linn tried that with the Sara. It was not that easy to drive though.