Laid Back Speakers amps, players etc

Now, I guess I'm like Shadorne describes--if not a few stages beyond--you young guys can have your "wow" factor...I want my music like a warm bath

Exactly. And nothing wrong with that. It is a preference that is totally valid.

From what you say I understand that the ultra hi-end equipment should not be laid back....

No. High end should be whatever the customer wants and some want accuracy and detail (and the fatigue that inherently may come with that) whilst others want a beautiful warm sound.

Sonicflare explains it.

We are all wired differently and we probably change over our lifetime too.

If you understand this then you can do better with selecting your own system - basically no system can be all things - if you have a nice warm system with a small ported monitor - then don't expect a realistic rendition of Mahler with 110 db SPL peaks. Instead learn to enjoy the great ambience and sound of acoustic music, small jazz ensembles and vocalists (where your system may absolutely excel in a way that a Mahler optimised system may not).

'Laid Back' to me refers to a lack of artificial brightness, a lack of added odd-ordered harmonics, IOW the system has no loudness artifacts and will play in an effortless and authoritative way without generating the desire to turn it down. Laid back is where your SO asks you to play more tunes rather than to turn it off.

Laid back is essential if you actually listen to your system and expect it to do what it should do for the thousands of dollars that you have invested: draw you in to the music.

"Laid back is essential if you actually listen to your system."

Love it, Atmasphere. Wish I'd said that. You and me and Shadorne could probably enjoy a pleasant listening session on the same system. What are some examples of equipment you view as reasonably laid back?

With respect to a speakers, the Spendors would meet the laid back criteria.

Could someone recommend some more "laid back" sounding speakers? I have a great pair of little floor standing detailed "wow" factor speakers yet can't stand them for very long. they drive my older kids out of the room....ahhh but the detail and soundstage and dynamics!
I notice in my car that I can turn the volume up and not experience sharpness and listener fatigue. I know about room conditioning and have made some steps in that direction but I am not willing to go any further with it in my living room. Thanks.