I don't think it's a left-handed compliment at all . . . I think it's a good thing for speakers to be 'fun'. It's just that frequently we'll give up some or all of the 'fun' part for other things.
An automotive analogy: I have driven a Ferrari 550 several times, and have also owned an MGB . . . and it was the silly little 60-HP MG that would put a smile on my face way faster than the Ferrari. The 3-series BMW that I own now is very nice, but it's not particularly 'fun' -- my 1986 Ford pickup is definately more so. If I had to keep only one . . . it would be a really tough choice.
Likewise, my current loudspeakers (JMLabs) aren't completely devoid of 'fun', but they're definately more serious, like the BMW. My B&O Pentas on the video system are much, much more 'fun'. And if I had to have only one system, I would keep the B&Os, no question. Yes, I'd miss the JMLabs . . . but when it comes to music, 'fun' is pretty high on the list.
An automotive analogy: I have driven a Ferrari 550 several times, and have also owned an MGB . . . and it was the silly little 60-HP MG that would put a smile on my face way faster than the Ferrari. The 3-series BMW that I own now is very nice, but it's not particularly 'fun' -- my 1986 Ford pickup is definately more so. If I had to keep only one . . . it would be a really tough choice.
Likewise, my current loudspeakers (JMLabs) aren't completely devoid of 'fun', but they're definately more serious, like the BMW. My B&O Pentas on the video system are much, much more 'fun'. And if I had to have only one system, I would keep the B&Os, no question. Yes, I'd miss the JMLabs . . . but when it comes to music, 'fun' is pretty high on the list.