Audio Terms

Craig did a nice job on that one, which obviously took some time. I would like to add two things to what he already stated so nicely. The terms "forward" and "laid back" could also be used in reference to tonal balance. While Garfish used them in terms of the soundstage and imaging area, "forward" could also mean midrange that is "forward" or "out in front" of the rest of the music. This can add clarity for vocals on music or speech while watching movies, but can be tiresome after a while. Kind of like having the singer standing next to you and crooning in your face or watching a live performance up in one of the very front rows. As to "laid back", it would have the opposite effect on tonal balance. Mids and treble are slightly withdrawn, lending a distant sound to them. This would be akin to sitting further back in the venue where you weren't able to pick up any direct sound from the performer. There is a little more ambience or "room effect" to the vocals and instrumentation this way. Less annoying than having someone in your face but you don't want them too distant either as clarity and detail suffer.

Like most of audio, i think that you'll find that different terms are used by different people in different ways. That is why we try to stress listening to components for yourself. Due to differences in system synergy and personal tastes, what you call "forward" might be "laid back" for someone that REALLY likes their music "in your face".

I think that Stereophile has a glossary of common audio terms on their website. The terms that are presented there are the more common ones and should help you to understand what a reviewer is talking about when trying to describe a piece of gear. Much of it IS gibberish, but at least you'll understand the gibberish : ) Sean
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