In hi-fi terms

[kitkat]

What does it mean when a system is said to have a "warm" sound? Forgive me if this is a stupid question.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Rich, lush, weighty bass, usually with some smoothing off in the treble, meaning less sense of ambience or space. Think Radio 3 announcers' voices rather than Radio 1 DJs.

 

[kitkat]

Thanks Andrew.

 

[Andrew Everard]

As I said on another thread the other day, one of the best discussions of this I've read was written by J Gordon Holt, founder of US magazine Stereophile, back in the mid-80s. You can read it here.

 

[kitkat]

Very useful thanks again Andrew.

 

[drummerman]

I listen to live music once or twice a week normally. Thats unplugged acoustic as well as amplified larger bands. Although they all sound different, some harsh others warm they all have one thing in common and thats impact, dynamics and macro dynamics within the larger picture (sound). Something I value and seek out in my home replay systems. Its not volume dependent either and I have found over the years that a good valve amplifier comes closer to replicating those qualities than Solid State though there are fine examples in both respective technologies.

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="drummerman"]
a good valve amplifier comes closer to replicating those qualities
[/quote]

Yeah, I found that out recently auditioning a single ended Unison Research S2 valve amp on Sonus Faber speakers. Compared to the Unico P, the valve amp had a lot more weight and pep. Surprising for a 10W beast. Thrown my whole hifi purchase plan into turmoil...

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="igglebert"][quote user="drummerman"]
a good valve amplifier comes closer to replicating those qualities
[/quote]

Yeah, I found that out recently auditioning a single ended Unison Research S2 valve amp on Sonus Faber speakers. Compared to the Unico P, the valve amp had a lot more weight and pep. Surprising for a 10W beast. Thrown my whole hifi purchase plan into turmoil...[/quote]

Punishment for going out and seeking Nirvana?

 

[John Duncan]

[quote user="ranjeetrain"]Punishment for going out and seeking Nirvana?[/quote]

Which of course will sound rubbish, even on that system.

 

[d_a_n1979]

[quote user="Andrew Everard"]
Rich, lush, weighty bass, usually with some smoothing off in the treble, meaning less sense of ambience or space.

[/quote]

Hmmm sounds just like my system and thats just how i like it!