Hi guys , I am starting this topic so we can share views ,experiences, benefits etc from the topic .
As we know, or rather , I know ( I may be wrong ) FORWARD sounding systems are more energetic, more focus , more highs and mid , better vocal range.
Whereas , LAID BACK ( sound from behind speakers ) sounding systems are more relaxed, deeper sounding, but as a “discounted “ highs and mids.
And I believe also that it depends on recordings too. Some tracks are forwards soundings as compared to the others , especially when you know how your system sounds.
While I do 99% streaming , especially when you create your fav tracks altogether under one file, you get different sound signature , that gives you some forwardness to the systems due to track recordings .
Anyway , let’s start this thread and share .. which is your go to for sound . Forward or laidback .
I personally like laid back sound but sometimes the excitement is discounted .
No doubts. However , some tracks or cd recordings will sound more forward than others . Even with a well balanced system. This however , quite turn off for me. And also, room size plays a vital role too.
One question, if the sound images are in alignment with the speakers, not going any forward from there , and soundstage moves backwards, how we classified this ? Neutral ?balanced ? Or?
Does it matter? Does everything need to be given a name? Surely the answer is to assemble a system that you enjoy listening to, in your own room with your own music?
I definitely prefer a forward sound. This is why I liked Cyrus systems and didn’t get on with Naim when I heard a basic pre/power a few years ago.
However I think this is not so much the source or amps but much more about the speakers and even the speaker cables! My Wilson Benesch speakers are defintely more forward than some other makes. Not because they are not even or balanced but just because they are not mellow like some other makes.
Correct.. but sometimes fav tracks (recordings I believe) are just too forward for my ears, so am trying to find a balance here . Which , it’s quite impossible for me to.
These tracks sound very wonderful but just ear piercing. Sad ..
Not sure where my systems sit based on your definition.
For me, system building has been a process of meeting two needs that I’m most sensitive to - timing and tunefulness. And ever since finding a satisfactory compromise of those two requirements, the presentation has not been that important because I’m drawn straight into the music and it doesn’t bother me that the balance is a bit too this, or a bit that too that.
And like you say, the balance will vary between recordings anyway.
None of my installed kit is ear piercing. 6 rooms of it. You may have an imbalance in your kit somewhere. I do have a preference for a warm sound and more bass presence, but my kit includes a Nait 2 and Tannoy slim floor standers as well as Kans in another room. I would have to turn the volume up to deafening levels, even on these, to make them ear piercing or fatigueing.
Hi bruss.. the somehow ear piercing I am referring to is female vocal. Those of a sharper /higher pitch voice/vocal . Is it normal to get those piercing says at 70-80 db listening volume ?
One of my Favourite artists is Joni Mitchell. If you have a streamer, stream this. The piano, Joni’s voice and the clarinet will test your system ( and ears). This track doesn’t sound harsh on any of my set ups. It will sound harsh if something isn’t right. Turn it up a little louder than normal.
Come to my place. I’ll set up my Chord Ultima 5 and Fyne F1-8 combo for you in a near-field setting, and you’ll experience what it really feels like to have the sound right in front of your face. Replace the amp with a Mola Mola Perca, and the soundstage pulls back noticeably, though it remains quite upfront. Then replace the Fyne with a Marten and place the speakers farther apart, and you’ll hear the performer move farther back onto a larger stage with real depth and width. When I then add my IsoTek conditioner, the depth increases—not forward—but the performer seems to pop out with even more holographic imaging against a pitch-black background.
, that gives you some forwardness to the systems due to track recordings .
which is your go to for sound . Forward or laidback .
