What is "polite" sound?

"Polite" sound is often what reviewers say when they can't define a specific defining characteristic of a component or speaker (i.e. descriptors like deep bass or scintillating highs, edgy, bright, harsh, sibilant or recessed don't seem to apply etc.)

In a high quality system this is usually indicative of a good design especially when the reviewer just thinks the sound is very natural and convincing. It is another way of saying that nothing stands out like a sore thumb about the design and therefore the system is likely to translate well too most recordings and genres. (Unfortunately this type of system may not sell well in a shop demo, however, there is a higher probability that you will not tire quickly of a system that is polite)

'Polite' sound is a description of a system with restricted dynamic range and restricted frequency range.

Tobias seems to have gotten it about right.Those who describe the sound of a system or component as polite are probably commenting on a lack of resolution which is primarily manifest in lack of dynamics and speed.I would disagree about there being any relationship to high-frequency extension,though.My speakers only extend to around 12,000hz,and while some would not care for the sound,I don't think they would ever be described as sounding polite.

Polite systems struggle with contrasts,imprinting a sameness to the music which might lead to disinterest and more frequent napping.
Low sensitivity speakers with nonexotic tweeters and medium resolution electronics is a sure fire route to polite audio.

I definately feel that a polite sound is due to a slight lack of top end extension. If you are missing the high frequencies, the leading edges get rounded, dynamics are softer, the sound doesn't jump out at you, the bass becomes more noticible, diction becomes a little harder to understand, contrasts aren't as clear, speed slows down, etc.

However, there is a postive side (remember that with any positive there is a negative, and vice versa. Everything in nature is a compromise). The sound will not be harsh or bright, poor recordings are more enjoyable, a digital-sounding CD player will be nicer, loud volumes will be impressive rather than painful, classical music takes on a more emotional role, the interconnections between notes will be more obvious, flow of music will be analog, etc.

IMO and IME, the politeness of my Classe amps has been welcome when combined with other components that are more mouthy and pushy. There always has to be a balance so I don't feel that anyone can criticize politeness or forwardness unless the entire system is one or the other.

Some people prefer forward gear and then they will say that (forward) CD sounds like crap and you need a (polite) turntable to make it all better. I prefer the opposite: a more polite amp with a CD player. They are simply two different ways at solving the same problem. Either way, you have to find the right balance. There is no right or wrong.

Arthur

Sometimes it could be the other way around: polite sound could be the result of a significant amount of dynamic headroom (amplifier) and lack of distortion. The sound becomes very clean and due to the dynamic headroom one feels never "stressed" when listening. In real life music never sounds stressed or "dynamic". It sounds very "relaxed" with plenty dynamics, but never forced. Sometimes I think when I'm attending a live classical music concert (orchestra): it's kinda dull and polite sounding, but of course it isn't. It's a psychoacoustical thing. Like amplifiers with little dynamic headroom that can sound very "dynamic" and up front (which is a bit contradictory, I know) .

Chris