Expert: Cleggsan - 1/3/2011

Question
Hello -

My question may be too subjective for an AllExperts answer, but here goes:  I'm putting together a small system with the new Marantz integrated amp ($450) and matching CD player ($350).  I'd like some bookshelf (or smaller) speakers.  However, I notice that some of the most highly-praised speakers (Thiel, B&W) have an overly detailed sound - it might be called 'cold & clinical.'  Just wondering if there's anything out there with a 'warmer, softer' sound.

Thank you - Mark

Answer
That's a very good question and I know exactly what you mean.

Unfortunately, there is not effective measurement standard that allows us to determine the "color" or quality of the sound in any meaningful way.  It is, as you stated, a very subjective matter.

So subjective that it is the basis of many listening test methods and evaluation methods from golden ear critics who claim to be able to hear all kinds of things that us engineers cannot measure (and that are often based on misleading and erroneous engineering principles, I might add.)  

The solution is, sadly, to go about lots of listening on your own by visiting friends, retail stores and hearing the review comments of those whom you can trust to be somewhat objective in their listening methods.

You won't get full range sound out of a "small" speaker.  At least not without the inclusion of a subwoofer or something to produce the low end - which requires a big box of some kind.

I am surprised by your comment on the B&W speakers not being "warm" as I have listened very carefully to many of that brand (although not recently) and they have been, to my hearing, quite soft on the high end.  The sound of any speaker is very much effected by the acoustical space that it is being operated in. If you have hard surfaces it will accentuate the hard and brittle sounds.  That can be corrected by placing various kinds of soft materials in the room; carpets, wall draperies, etc.

I like the older AR and KLH bookshelf speakers for warmth, but they are hard to find anymore.  Some of the better sounds that you may be looking for will come from the UK, perhaps.  But I don't have any specific recommendations.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

c