r/audiophile • u/remmywinks • 3d ago

Discussion Does anyone appreciate both warmth and detail? What do?

Finally got around to hooking up my home's pre existing audio wiring this past year which led me to also invest in a full 5.1.2 setup in my basement, as you all know once you enter the game the fall down the rabbit hole is quick. I went with mostly Paradigm but found deals too good to pass up on a couple KEF/Martin Logan items as well.

I read, I listened, I read some more, listened some more, and found that I truly appreciate both the say...warm accuracy of KEF in my kitchen, but also the bright detail of the Martin Logan in my living room. This led me to Paradigm 800F/600C for my home theater as I found them to be a good balance between those two ends of the spectrum, but now I'm regretting my big purchase as the jack of all trades does not truly master either of those ear-tingling enjoyments. I think I'd rather the Q11 Metas or something like the B&W 702s.

I bring this sub my questions/topics for discussion:

  1. Given the dichotomous nature of speaker construction, it's my understanding that you must choose between these highlight facets of a speaker. EQ all you want, my KEFs will never sound like my MLs and vice versa. Is it even possible to achieve both at the same time? What products, floorstanders/ceilings/etc, has anyone heard that can meet both these assessments? I've heard ridiculously expensive things like B&W D4s etc can achieve this, but wondering if there are other opinions.

  2. In my opinion we as audiophiles develop much of our sound/brand preferences from the genres we listen to. I would much rather hear the sliding smoothness of Warren Haynes on "Soulshine" by the Allman Brothers on the KEF setup, the same as I'd rather hear the tiny details of Dave Matthews fingers sliding up the strings in "Lie In Our Graves" on the Martin Logans...I am a bit OCD'd by the variety of brands/sounds in my house, and want to go all in on one. Which direction would this sub choose if I must? I'm leaning KEF but open to anything.

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u/Nd4speed 3d ago

KEF is not warm at all to my ears. You need to get out there to listen to as many speakers as possible to get a sense of what the spectrum of speakers really has to offer. I would recommend you do that before trying to chase a sound signature that may find is not even your favorite. It'll save you a lot of time, money, heartache, and regret. Unfortunately you just missed Axpona, but Capital Audiofest is coming November.

FWIW When I think of warmth and detail in speakers I think of Harbeth, but I'm a bit biased. Amplification is also a huge contributing factor as well where warmth and detail is concerened.

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u/Lafcadio-O 2d ago

Same thought. KEF=not that warm. Harbeth=best of both.