Well this is an interesting point. Certainly the "neutral" ear bleeders of yesteryear have been improved upon but some still remain. I have owned warm forgiving speakers and would pick them any day over neutral if that term in the context you use connotates etchy with a focus on a tipped up treble to realize more apparent detail in the music.
I currently am listening to Merlin VSM-M. These speakers are NOT by definition warm and forgiving. But they can be if the music is. They are just truth tellers. Some don't want too much truth and that is a valid choice. But with proper set-up these speakers are non fatiguing, emotive and can make well recorded music come alive in the listening room. I believe Bobby P, the designer also is a big Quad fan as well. So am I.
I currently am listening to Merlin VSM-M. These speakers are NOT by definition warm and forgiving. But they can be if the music is. They are just truth tellers. Some don't want too much truth and that is a valid choice. But with proper set-up these speakers are non fatiguing, emotive and can make well recorded music come alive in the listening room. I believe Bobby P, the designer also is a big Quad fan as well. So am I.