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Help me clarify, is there a difference between 'forward' and 'bright'?

Previously I posted about my Acoustic Energy AE500s that had a loose connection, now all taken care of and sounding fabulous. I was, at one point, considering selling due purely to sudden financial surprises, but as of now hope to keep enjoying and keep them. Purveying a few reviews out of curiosity, I read some that note a slight ’forward’ quality, others elsewhere observe a ’warm and musical’ presentation. (Funny how different reviewers can hear opposing sonic qualities). Others heard a touch of brightness due to extended high frequencies. Got me thinking where is the line between ’bright’ and ’forward’? aren’t splashy 1980s JBL L100s both forward, as in immediate in the presence range, but also ’hot’ or bright with snare and cymbals? Are there forward speakers that are rather warm or rolled off? Just trying to understand a bit better. Anyone care to opine?

sifter
larryi
4,570 posts
 

Forward suggests a slightly elevated midrange around the frequency of a female vocalist. Bright usually means a prominence higher in frequency.  

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
476 posts
 

I think that most seasoned listeners will say that forward is not necessarily bright or vice versa.  Forward refers to where and how the virtual soundstage is presented in the room.  A forward soundstage will have the center image well out in front of the plane of the two speakers and then go deeper from there.  Speakers that are not forward begin the soundstage closer to the plane that the mains are on and go back from there.  How the speakers differ is in design and is largely a result of dispersion characteristics of the drivers.  Speakers that are forward can be either bright or not.  Speaker setup and room acoustics can greatly affect everything just mentioned.  

sifter OP
100 posts
 

so, if i understand correctly, for  example, a Triangle Comete model, known for its 'in the room' lively horn, could be perceived as forward due to aforementioned nearer-sounding midrange, yet not necessarily bright, or vica versa.

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