What is “warmth” and how do you get it?

"Warmth" is a very difficult characteristic to describe with adjectives. It's for me, the way real instruments sound in an acoustically neutral environment. Right now I'm listening to Strunz and Farah. They are both master acoustic guitarists. I have friends who play. The pluck of each string is there but so is the "woodiness" that the guitar body imparts onto the sound of each note as it is heard. A "lack of warmth" for me would be if the pluck of each string was unnaturally exagerated by a "hot" tweeter and the mid and lower mids were not able to deliver the woodiness of the instruments.

It can be a daunting task to get a system to this point, but is it ever worth the effort! Once you "tune" your system to achieve the inherent warmth of real instruments, the willing suspension of disbelief, can, with the right music, help create the illusion that you are indeed hearing the real thing. That would be the holy grail for me!

Byroncunningham,

After looking at your excellent system, I'd like you to consider one inexpensive addition that may tune just a bit more smoothness and warmth into your system without a loss of dynamics or bass slam.

I have been working for a very long time at "tuning" my system to get just the right sense of warmth so the music sounds as "real" as possible.

Using the correct footers under my components was the final tweak that took my system where I needed it to go. I would be embarrassed to admit how many different types of footers I have tried (some quite costly) that are now either being used in our videos systems or are in exile in my closet.

So what worked? Herbie's Tenderfeet from Steve Herbelin. I am using a combination of the regular version for lighter components and the extra firm Tenderfeet under my power amp.

I couldn't tell from your photos if you have footers under the Meridian and Pass pieces but I would most strongly urge you to try the appropriate Tenderfeet and give them a listen. Steve always stands behind his products. If you don't like the outcome you'll just be out some shipping.

After reading this entire thread, especially your last posting, its sounds to me like you are just close enough that the Tenderfeet could get you where you want to be.