I have Vandersteen 2CE Sigs driven by a Tbe Audio Design 150 and a McCormack DNA-1. In this set up I can't describe them as "laid back".They sound nuetral and balanced. I had B&K equipment prior and they sounded softer but, still nuetral. I cannot remember ever hearing a speaker sound "laid back". IMO if a speaker sounds "laid back" t would seem that they are missing some of the music and the electronics should be checked to see if they are a good match..
