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Neutral or Detailed. You can't have both

At least not how I understand the audiophile terms. The problem comes in the mid-treble.

A truly, measurably, objectively neutral speakers doesn’t come alive until the volume is turned up, but will lack the perception of detail, because those details come from exaggerated and often rough treble responses.

B&W however has some of this reputation. They are not objectively neutral speakers.

The Magico S1 Mk II has an uptilt in the treble, but is glass smooth. It is probably what I consider the best example of this combined desire for a neutral but detailed speaker.

Monitor Audio’s top end speakers - Objectively neutral, superbly engineered. Often too laid back for most people, Audiophiles would not consider them "detailed."

As always, you should buy what you like. Maybe you don’t like neutral speakers. Goodness knows some reviewers don’t.
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

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atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
A truly, measurably, objectively neutral speakers doesn’t come alive until the volume is turned up, but will lack the perception of detail, because those details come from exaggerated and often rough treble responses.
Two very detailed speakers I've heard (Sound Lab ESLs and Classic Audio Loudspeakers model T-3.3 with field coil drivers) don't seem to need to be turned up to come alive, and are some of the most neutral speakers I've heard. Two other speakers that also do this: Audiokinesis and High Emotion Audio (not sure if the latter is still in business).
So I think your conclusion is mistaken- you can totally have detail and neutrality at the same time. In fact I see that when you make an improvement, the system should improve in these two areas in particular and at the same time!

I'm not a fan of the speakers you mentioned for the same reasons you mentioned them.
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