What is “warmth” and how do you get it?

IMO Hifibri's got it..."The more one listens to different types of live music, with different types of instruments, in different spaces, the more one realizes 'the sound' is always different, yet there is usually always that warmth of tone. Since this is a universal quality of live music, it makes sense to strive for this quality in a system."...
...and Mrtennis doesn't. As I said and Hifibri reinforces, the recording process removes natural, real warmth of tone from the sound of the instruments, and it's the reproduction system's job to recreate it. Indeed the system that do that are NOT tonally nuetral or 'accurate', but to me 'accurate' systems sound so much NOT like real music that they're unlistenable, so how accurate is that?

Tuning a system to have the right amount of warmth without sounding thick is difficult, but creating a great-sounding system is tough, isn't it?!?!?!
.

...jeez, Jeffrey, spell much? Sorry, hit the wrong button.
.

I do not find most systems that I would describe as "warm sounding" to be natural sounding.

Pleasant, especially with acoustic string instruments, yes, but not like what I hear live.

Electronic music often suffers on a too warm sounding system.

GEtting the right dash of warmth perhaps when needed and still sounding good overall is tricky business indeed. Trail and error is the best approach.

I would recommend targeting a neutral sounding system first. Then tweak a pre-amp or source with some tube gear perhaps to get the dash of warmth if needed.

I find the ARC pre-amp in my rig does this perfectly for me. I notice that dash of warmth on occasion but only with certain music and if I am really listening just for that specifically.

Byroncunningham,

After looking at your excellent system, I'd like you to consider one inexpensive addition that may tune just a bit more smoothness and warmth into your system without a loss of dynamics or bass slam.

I have been working for a very long time at "tuning" my system to get just the right sense of warmth so the music sounds as "real" as possible.

Using the correct footers under my components was the final tweak that took my system where I needed it to go. I would be embarrassed to admit how many different types of footers I have tried (some quite costly) that are now either being used in our videos systems or are in exile in my closet.

So what worked? Herbie's Tenderfeet from Steve Herbelin. I am using a combination of the regular version for lighter components and the extra firm Tenderfeet under my power amp.

I couldn't tell from your photos if you have footers under the Meridian and Pass pieces but I would most strongly urge you to try the appropriate Tenderfeet and give them a listen. Steve always stands behind his products. If you don't like the outcome you'll just be out some shipping.

After reading this entire thread, especially your last posting, its sounds to me like you are just close enough that the Tenderfeet could get you where you want to be.

Jeff,
I don't think Mrtennis is wrong, the definition he gives for warmth is correct, the point is it's a matter of usage and of degrees. His definition describes a sound that is too syrupy, rather than using it to describe the 'truth of timbre' he used to describe live music. Some might call the truth of timbre of live music 'warmth' (rich body) as you and I do, others may call it neutral and only use the term 'warmth' to describe a sound that is not neutral. That's the difficulty we face in describing sound that can create long threads of angst. To complicate things in absolute terms, the further you are from the source of live music, the 'warmer' the sound will be perceived. One must decide what listening position in the hall are you trying to re-create with your system. Some like mid hall, others like the perspective of the microphones hanging above the performers. There are lots of factors to consider. Building a system that gives you the smallest compromises on the factors you value most is not "tough", its what makes this hobby fun!