Grilles or No Grilles

Stanwal-

I know what you are saying but, in the context of this thread, it seems that most people are generalizing and, unfortunately, I took your statement as an example.

Of course, the original post is a little confusing as it refers first to "a more accurate listening experience" (without specifying how accuracy is determined) and, then, refers to what "works better for me" which is a matter of preference. Yet, the OP is asking "what do you think?"

What is more accurate is measurable and has been.
What is preferred may be something else, of course.

Kal

At the latest RMAF, I would say that in the neighborhood of 90 percent of the speakers there were presented with the grills off. This was irregardless of whether they came with a grill or not. There were some exceptions. I have previously owned a pair of speakers, the Intuitive Design Summit, that had grills that could not be removed and they sounded fantastic. Just because it came with a grill does not mean it must be listened to that way. At least that was the only thing I could infer based on what dealers, distributors, and designers had set up at the show. I would hope that they would know how to get the best out of their speakers. As a last comment on this, I agree that the issue of grills or no grills is a preference for the most part. If you want to know what is intended by the designer, call the manufacturer and ask how they are voiced.

Ah yes, one of my favorite standards from the 40's.

"Grille Of My Dreams".

Part of why speakers have no grills on at a show is so you can see the drivers, it isnt really about the sound all together...............its marketing.

....or maybe manufacturers provide the grills for aesthetics, so the drivers don't stare at you when you're not doing "serious listening" and better integrate with room decor........it's marketing.