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Should a reference speaker be neutral, or just great sounding?

I was thinking about something as I was typing about how I've observed a magazine behave, and it occurred to me that I have a personal bias not everyone may agree to.  Here's what I think:
"To call a speaker a reference product it should at the very least be objectively neutral."

However, as that magazine points out, many great speakers are idiosyncratic ideas about what music should sound like in the home, regardless of being tonally neutral.

Do you agree?  If a speaker is a "reference" product, do you expect it to be neutral, or do you think it has to perform exceptionally well, but not necessarily this way?
erik_squires

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires OP
15,640 posts
 
I can see we are getting off into discussions like "What do words mean anyway?"  so let me clarify my original intention.

If a vendor calls a particular speaker model "reference quality" does that bring out any specific expectations for you, or is this going to be variable based on who the vendor is?  Like, if you hear of a Focal and B&W "reference" speaker, do you expect them to be close to ideal, or close to the best each brand can deliver?


Best,
E
erik_squires OP
15,640 posts
 
So it sounds as if most here are saying that objective neutrality is not a requirement, but to be a "reference" speaker it should be the epitome of the maker's product line?

Or it can be something you go back to as your personal preference.

I guess I always thought of "reference" as being similar to laboratory grade, like a precision scale or ruler.  Something other speakers should strive for.  Seems most are saying it is just hype, like the words "deluxe" or "premium."
erik_squires OP
15,640 posts
 
@Kenjit

I have no idea what you are on about, so again, ignoring  you.

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