SoundStyles

[jeffvee]

While shopping for speakers, I'm often asked about my style of sound. And I really don't know how to answer them.
Can someone explain what all the different styles of sound represent to the listening ear.
Thanks

 

[Kai]

What do you like to listen to?
Are you a "head banger"...Blues...R+B...Good 'ol Rock and Roll...Jazz...Country...etc.
When I audition any type of audio equiptment I always bring an small assortment of my favorite music.
ie:
Annie Lennox
AC/DC
Frank Sinatra
Aerosmith
James Taylor

I have a nice little cd that has a compilation of favorite songs from these and a couple of other artists that I bring along. It focus' on vocals from different ranges, slamming guitar, etc.

That is my "style" of sound preferences. As you can see it is quite varied, actually more varied but you get the idea. Generally most people have no specific "style"...how boring...but listen to a wide variety of music.

Different speakers may reproduce the song(s)/music differently for a variety of reasons so listening to a variety of speakers in the price range you want is very important to achieve the sound you desire.

 

[---k---]

While shopping for speakers, I'm often asked about my style of sound. And I really don't know how to answer them.
Can someone explain what all the different styles of sound represent to the listening ear.
Thanks

There are lots of ways people describe speakers. The most typical is warm/neutral/bright. The definition for these is whether a speaker accentuates the bass/midrange, no accentuation, or accentuates the highs. Typically, if a speaker is described as bright, things like cybels will sound very crisp and clear, but likely a little too prominate. A lot of people don't like bright, and consider this a negitive. They say it is harsh, hurts their ears, or is fatiguing after a while. Warm is usually just the opposite. The finer details don't jump out at you, but overall music has a richer, more soothing sound. And again, a lot of people don't like this, because they prefer the detail of the highs to jump out at them.

Another way of describing speakers is Forward or Laid Back. This is a lot more difficult to define, because I've found some people use Forward as a syonim for Bright, and Laid Back as a syonim for Warm. Others use it to describe where the music seems to come from spatially. Some speakers will make it appear that the vocalist is way out in the middle of the room, right in front of you. Others make it appear like the vocalist is behind the speakers. I kind of like the forward sound. I know other people HATE it. It is a personal preferance thing.

The only way for you to figure out what you like is to do a lot of listening. I really didn't have a firm grasph on it until I brought home three pairs of speakers from my dealer for a free demo, and I played with them for a week by constantly switching between the three very excellent speakers and trying to figure out the differances.

If you find a higher-end store that is willing to work with you, they can point a lot of this out. And try and see if you can get two pairs of very differnt speakers for an in-home demo for a listen. Because, what sounds good at first isn't always what you end up liking for long term use.

I don't know what your budget is, but if you could find some Paradigm Studios, DynAudio, and B&W speakers to listen to, you will listen to some very differnt speakers that should make all this clear. Those are usually pretty easy to find, whereever. Let us know what you like about each one of those, and we can probably help you find the perfect speaker. (Of course, there isn't a really neutral speaker in that bunch..... )


Since you're in Indy, there is an Indianapolis dealer on AVS who posts a lot called Schadenfrude. He carries a lot of the brands I just mentioned. He can be a little down on the Internet Direct brands, which I like, but I think he will be very fair to you and really help you figure this all out. You might want to look him up.

 

[Sheep]

There are lots of ways people describe speakers. The most typical is warm/neutral/bright. The definition for these is whether a speaker accentuates the bass/midrange, no accentuation, or accentuates the highs. Typically, if a speaker is described as bright, things like cybels will sound very crisp and clear, but likely a little too prominate. A lot of people don't like bright, and consider this a negitive. They say it is harsh, hurts their ears, or is fatiguing after a while. Warm is usually just the opposite. The finer details don't jump out at you, but overall music has a richer, more soothing sound. And again, a lot of people don't like this, because they prefer the detail of the highs to jump out at them.[snip]

Great post!

Maybe you AVS guys aren't so bad after all

The problem is, Jeff is looking to buy from an internet direct company. Its hard to audition speakers from a whole bunch of IDCs because he would have to purchase them all.

Ascends, Axiom, and Onix? Is that what they were Jeff?

SheepStar

 

[bsheldon]

since I am a fellow AVS'er I guess you should take this with a grain of salt.

I think K made some really good and valid points. The best way to determine what you like is to listen. As far as internet direct brands--this obvioulsy gets a tad more difficult. However, you first need to determine a base line or reference point as to what you like. The Ascends, Axioms and onix lines have been compared to just about every other mainstream speaker out there. Find one you like and then do some searching on here and other forums to see a direct comparison. I agree with paradigm studios, dynaudio, and the B&Ws as good reference points. Another my be the reference line of Klipsch. This is one of the most unique sounding speakers you will find. It is both passionately loathed and reverred. Those who like them, absolutely love them and everything else sounds like garbage in comparison. The exact opposite is true of those who do not like them. they are some of the Brightest speakers available. I have listened to them side by side with a B&W 603 and the old CM series (Which I loved) and it was a night and day difference. B&W's have metal tweeters which tend to be a bit bright, (although B&W's midrange is fantastic--IMHO) but no where near the Klipsch. If you find you like the Klipsch sound, the closest is probably Axiom. they tend to be a bit a bright--but not nearly as much so as the Klipsch. The onix are known to be very warm (dynaudio-ish, great company to be compared to) sounding. the ascends are very neutral, neither bright nor warm (similar to the paradigm studio's). Of course, no one brand is going to sound exactly like another, but that will get you close. Bottom line, though, you must go listen to evything you can--take music with you that you are familiar with. This will give you a better idea as to how speakers sound to you. Pay attention to the room you are listening in as well--if it is a huge open are or a small room--that will greatly affect the sound. There is no right or wrong answer as to what sounds good. It is very subjective. People like what they like. Best of luck.

 

[---k---]

We're good guys in general. We're just too stubborn to let things go.

Anyway, I didn't see anything in the OP's post about internet brands. I in general wanted to stay away from mentioning brands, because at the first stages of shopping for a speaker that you will truely enjoy, it isn't about the brands. It is about experancing everything, so you can identify your tastes. You should listen to everything you can get your hands on, until you figure out what you like and what you don't. Brands shouldn't matter at that point. Once you figure out what you like, even if you say: 'I like the real clear crisp sound of A, but it was laid back back for me, and I liked how B seemed to fill the room but, it sounded like my blown dashboard speakers' that gives everyone something to go and and discuss. I'm sure that is why it was one of the first questions salesman asked the OP.

If you're not willing to spend a lot of time demoing, then does it really matter? You're not going to know what you're missing. Just go into BB, hand them your credit card, tell them your budget, and I'm willing to bet you will be very very happy until you listen to someone else's system.


But, if you're looking for ID speakers, make sure you check out Ascend. I found them to be the most accurate speaker you can buy for <$1000.

 

[Sheep]

Oh, jeah, he didn't say anything in this thread. I have been talking with him in PM's and thats how I found out.

I've also been strongly recommending Ascends.

SheepStar

 

[bsheldon]

not to jump on the band wagon, but I'll third the ascends. Very, very accurate speakers that just don't do anything wrong-except let you know when you have a crappy recording. Very neutral, not bright, not warm, they just give you exactly what is on the source.

 

[jeffvee]

Great post!

Maybe you AVS guys aren't so bad after all

The problem is, Jeff is looking to buy from an internet direct company. Its hard to audition speakers from a whole bunch of IDCs because he would have to purchase them all.

Ascends, Axiom, and Onix? Is that what they were Jeff?

SheepStar

Sheep, I've pretty much narrowed it down to the CBM-170'S, due primarily to the fact they have great reviews and from what you and other's here have told me. Based upon the styles mentioned by others here, I think I would like a neutral sounding speaker. I am leaning toward ID speakers,because for one they are less money, and two they have been compared to a more expensive Paradigm Studio 20 which costs nearly more than double.
BTW, what are you reffering to when you say AVS?

 

[Sheep]

BTW, what are you reffering to when you say AVS?

Oh, AVS is another audio forum. Alot of the guys came over here for the VTF-3HO vs Ultra thread, and well, it got out of hand.

SheepStar