I have listened to a lot of peoples hifi over the years and some where along the line I became aware that both Mission and JBL made very forward sounding speakers while KLH, Advent where voiced in a way they seemed far less in your face .
The best example of this , from the same Audio Note level 1 system was swapping out the AN K speakers for Mission 762i It was Night and Day the Missions where a shit show ,louder and in your face and voiced a tad brighter. The K's seemed laid back ,darker over all and much more distant.
The ported Missions had more bass but Bass was not nearly as fast and defined as the AN K 's.
My personal preference is just slightly forward , Like being in an intimate performance in a local night club.
I don't want to hear it from the front lobby or be seated right in front of a speaker stack.
How can 2 speakers using the same size drivers,cabinets sound so completely different?
Is it the inductors used? that changes the placement of the preference so dramatically?
The floor standers I enjoy now really can be both forward or distant depending on the recording, but they tend to lean just slightly forward most of the time.
What do you prefer 1st row to the exit doors, I like back of the room in a small night club, hearing and feeling the music but not right in front of it.
Tell us your preference.